SALAMANCA
- Bishopric existed in Vth century. First known bishop, Eleuterio (589).
- VIIIth century, devoid of notices concerning see.
- Xth century, 7 bishops mentioned—living in Leon or Oviedo.
- XIth century, no news, even name of city forgotten.
- First bishop de modernis, Jeronimo of Valencia (1102).
- Old cathedral still standing; city possesses therefore two cathedrals.
OLD CATHEDRAL
- Dedicated to St. Mary (Santa Maria de la Sede).
- In 1152 already in construction; not finished in 1299.
- XIIth or XIIIth century, Castilian Romanesque with ogival mixture.[{377}]
- Nave, 33 feet wide, 190 feet long, 60 feet high.
- Aisles, 20 feet wide, 180 feet long, 40 feet high.
- Thickness of walls, 10 feet.
- Part of cathedral demolished to make room for new in 1513.
- Chief attractions: Cimborio, central apsidal chapel, and retablo.
NEW CATHEDRAL
- Dedicated to the Mother and Saviour.
- Begun in 1513; not completed until XVIIIth century.
- Originally Late Gothic building. Plateresque, Herrera and grotesque additions.
- Compare churches of Valladolid and Segovia.
- Rectangular in shape; 378 feet long, 181 feet wide.
- Height of nave, 130 feet; that of aisles, 88 feet.
- Width of nave, 50 feet; of aisles, 37 feet.
- Length (and width) of chapels, 28 feet; height, 54 feet.
- Height of tower, 320 feet.
- Chief attractions: Western façade, decorative wealth, ensemble.