In this section of our travel guide to Zamora we invite you to discover the most interesting sights and monuments of this Spanish city.
Zamora has been called “the city of Romanesque” and also “the well protected” (la bien cercada) due the fact that it had three walls. You can still see today part of the walls that defended the city during the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries. The Cathedral and the remains of the Castle-Fortress are also imprints of its Romanesque past.
The Cathedral of Zamora, from the 12th century, is one of the most interesting sights of the city. Don’t miss its vault, an astonishing element which served both to architecture and decoration, and the southern facade where you will find the beautiful Bishop’s Gate (Puerta del Obsipo). Inside the cathedral you can see interesting pieces of art dating from different centuries including a collection of Flemish tapestries.
Another impressive monument of the city is the Castle, with its moat, entrance gate and a pentagonal tower, it reminds of the times of knights and kingdoms. The Castle of Zamora is now used for conferences and teaching and is currently being restored.
In the surroundings of the Cathedral is the church of San Claudio de Olivares, also a Romanesque building from the 12th century. Curious in this church is the decoration of the arches representing the farming calendar with the typical tasks of every month.
Another interesting sight near the Cathedral is the chapel of Santiago el Viejo, also called church of the Knights since the legend says that it was here where the famous hero “el Cid Campeador” was armed knight
In the medieval part of the city, on both sides of the street “rua” which once divided the city you can find most of the historic monuments: the church of San Isidoro and close to the walls the church of San Pedro and San Ildefonso, the second largest church of Zamora after the Cathedral.
In the part known as Barrios Bajos, a medieval neighbourhood of the city, you can find today outstanding building like the church of La Horta, Santo Tomé, and the palace of Cordón, venue of the museum “Museo Provincial”. From here, walk through the peculiar street Balborraz to reach the main square of Zamora (Plaza Mayor) and you will be at the heart of the city, discover the old city hall, built by the Catholic Kings in the 15th century, and some other interesting churches like San Juan de Puerta Nueva and San Vicente.
Have a look too at the wonderful stone bridge over the river, built in the 12th century and still in use today.
Zamora also offers several museums, most of them related to religious art, here is a guide to the Museums of Zamora, keep in mind that most close on Monday.
Museum Baltasar Lobo, in the square of San Esteban. Open 12.00-14.00 and 19.00-21.00
Museum Catedralicio, in the cathedral. Open 11.00-14.00 and 17.00-20.00
Museum Provincial, in the Palace of Cordón. Open 10.00-14.00 and 16.00-20.00
Holy Week Museum, in the square of Santa María la Nueva. Open 10.00-14.00 and 17.00-21.00
Ethnographic Museum, in the street Corral Pintado. Open 10.00-14.00 and 17.00-20.00