CHURCH OF LA CLERECÍA AND PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY
30 minutes
The imposing complex formed by the Church of La Clerecía and the Pontifical University of Salamanca was originally the Royal College of the Society of Jesus. The Church was dedicated to the Holy Spirit by the express wish of Queen Margaret of Austria. Its name was changed to the Church of La Clerecía in 1767, upon coming under the jurisdiction of the Royal Clergy of San Marcos after the expulsion of the Jesuits. Since 1940, it has been the headquarters of the Pontifical University of Salamanca. The university offers guided tours of both the college and the church, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about its history and heritage. Additionally, it is possible to ascend the church towers through a fascinating route that offers exceptional panoramic views of Salamanca (Scala Coeli).
Read More
Free visit price
- Individual - 4.00 €
- Niños (Edad máxima: 12) - 0.00 €
- Grupos - 3.00 €
The majestic architectural complex now comprising the Church of La Clerecía and the Pontifical University originated as the Royal College of the Society of Jesus, dedicated to the Holy Spirit. The Royal College was founded at the beginning of the 17th century at the initiative of the Kings of Spain, Philip III and Margaret of Austria.
The Society's presence in Salamanca dates back to the 16th century, when a young Ignatius of Loyola unsuccessfully attempted to study at the University of Salamanca. In the late 16th century, the Jesuits began the construction of a large college in the Peñuelas de San Blas area, where they resided until 1665, the year they moved to the new college on Calle Compañía. Following the monarchs' visit to Salamanca in 1601, the queen decided to fund a new college for the Society of Jesus, with the purpose of training missionaries for evangelization in America and Europe. Construction lasted for over one hundred and fifty years. The result was an architectural complex of exceptional magnitude, considered a masterpiece of European Baroque.
The architect chosen for the work was Juan Gómez de Mora, royal architect to Philip III. Gómez de Mora designed the plans between 1616-1618, upon which other architects would later introduce modifications, with construction beginning in 1617. Work started with the Church, following the Jesuit typology of a single nave with side chapels and a transept. The final interior configuration of the building would be completed in the 18th century. It would be architect Andrés García de Quiñones who would finish the church's façade and build the main cloister, the grand staircase, and the General of Theology (today the Great Hall of the Pontifical University).
After the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767, the building was divided into three parts. The Church and the Sacristy were handed over to the Royal Clergy of San Marcos, giving rise to its current name. The southern wing, organized around the community cloister, was designated for Irish students, popularly known as "La Irlanda." Currently, this cloister houses the Vargas Zúñiga library, as well as classrooms and offices of the Pontifical University. Meanwhile, the college, structured around the main cloister, became the seat of the Conciliar Seminary.
When the Jesuits were expelled, the façade of the college's main gatehouse still needed to be completed, a task undertaken by Bishop Felipe Beltrán. The work was not finalized until twelve years after the expulsion, as confirmed by the inscription located above Bishop Beltrán's coat of arms (Anno MDCCLXXIX).
During the 19th century, and especially during the Peninsular War, the building was used on several occasions as barracks and a field hospital by troops stationed in the city. Subsequently, it resumed its function as a seminary and, since 1940, became the main headquarters of the Pontifical University of Salamanca.
From an artistic point of view, the Church and the College represent the most prominent elements of this grand architectural complex. Both spaces, along with the tour of the church towers (Scala Coeli), are open to the public, offering visitors a unique experience to delve into its history.
The Society's presence in Salamanca dates back to the 16th century, when a young Ignatius of Loyola unsuccessfully attempted to study at the University of Salamanca. In the late 16th century, the Jesuits began the construction of a large college in the Peñuelas de San Blas area, where they resided until 1665, the year they moved to the new college on Calle Compañía. Following the monarchs' visit to Salamanca in 1601, the queen decided to fund a new college for the Society of Jesus, with the purpose of training missionaries for evangelization in America and Europe. Construction lasted for over one hundred and fifty years. The result was an architectural complex of exceptional magnitude, considered a masterpiece of European Baroque.
The architect chosen for the work was Juan Gómez de Mora, royal architect to Philip III. Gómez de Mora designed the plans between 1616-1618, upon which other architects would later introduce modifications, with construction beginning in 1617. Work started with the Church, following the Jesuit typology of a single nave with side chapels and a transept. The final interior configuration of the building would be completed in the 18th century. It would be architect Andrés García de Quiñones who would finish the church's façade and build the main cloister, the grand staircase, and the General of Theology (today the Great Hall of the Pontifical University).
After the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767, the building was divided into three parts. The Church and the Sacristy were handed over to the Royal Clergy of San Marcos, giving rise to its current name. The southern wing, organized around the community cloister, was designated for Irish students, popularly known as "La Irlanda." Currently, this cloister houses the Vargas Zúñiga library, as well as classrooms and offices of the Pontifical University. Meanwhile, the college, structured around the main cloister, became the seat of the Conciliar Seminary.
When the Jesuits were expelled, the façade of the college's main gatehouse still needed to be completed, a task undertaken by Bishop Felipe Beltrán. The work was not finalized until twelve years after the expulsion, as confirmed by the inscription located above Bishop Beltrán's coat of arms (Anno MDCCLXXIX).
During the 19th century, and especially during the Peninsular War, the building was used on several occasions as barracks and a field hospital by troops stationed in the city. Subsequently, it resumed its function as a seminary and, since 1940, became the main headquarters of the Pontifical University of Salamanca.
From an artistic point of view, the Church and the College represent the most prominent elements of this grand architectural complex. Both spaces, along with the tour of the church towers (Scala Coeli), are open to the public, offering visitors a unique experience to delve into its history.
The visit to what was once the Royal College of the Holy Spirit is divided into two main parts: on one hand, the Pontifical University and the Church of La Clerecía, and on the other, the ascent to the towers (Scala Coeli). The tour of the University and the Church is always done by joining the guided tours offered by the University, whereas the ascent to the towers is a self-guided visit. For both tours, it is necessary to purchase a ticket at the ticket office located in the entrance vestibule.
The guided tour of the current Pontifical University and the Church of La Clerecía includes the following areas:
• Aula Magna
• Monumental Staircase
• Cloister of Studies
• Church of the Holy Spirit (Clerecía)
On the main floor of the cloister, there is a series of 28 paintings depicting the life of Saint Ignatius of Loyola ("Vita Ignatii").
The guided tour of the current Pontifical University and the Church of La Clerecía includes the following areas:
• Aula Magna
• Monumental Staircase
• Cloister of Studies
• Church of the Holy Spirit (Clerecía)
On the main floor of the cloister, there is a series of 28 paintings depicting the life of Saint Ignatius of Loyola ("Vita Ignatii").
THE EXTERIOR OF THE BUILDING
From its privileged location, in the heart of the historic center and at the top of the Teso de las Catedrales, the Royal College dominates the entire historic city. The college occupies an extensive city block with facades facing Calle Compañía, to which it gives its name, and also Serranos and Cervantes streets. The exterior walls, traversed by hundreds of windows placed in superimposed rows, are reminiscent of those of the El Escorial Monastery. When observed from a distance, two long pavilions with galleries located to the north and south of the building stand out.
The college is structured around the large Cloister of Studies, with the church located to the south. On the eastern side, towards Cervantes Street, is the smaller cloister, today occupied by the Vargas Zúñiga library of the Pontifical University.
THE CHURCH FAÇADE
The façade is enclosed in Calle Compañía, opposite the Casa de las Conchas. Through its architectural articulation, based on giant order columns and large entablatures, it breaks the monotony of the exterior walls. Its growth in height reflects the evolution of the building from the Mannerist sobriety of the lintelled doors to the great Baroque style of the towers and bell gable. It is structured as if it were a large altarpiece divided into two bodies and three sections, individualized by giant order columns. It is topped by the imposing towers that flank the bell gable with the relief of the Coming of the Holy Spirit.
In the first body of the temple, above the side doors, the coats of arms of Philip III and Margaret of Austria stand out. The central niche, located above the main door, houses a sculpture of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
THE DOME
The dome, octagonal in plan and over 50 m high, is one of the most impressive elements of the complex. However, from a technical point of view, it presents certain deficiencies, which is why it has had to be restored on several occasions, especially after the Lisbon earthquake of 1755, whose effects caused cracks and collapses.
COLLEGE PORTAL
Jerónimo García de Quiñones was in charge of completing the college's portal after the expulsion of the Jesuits, at which point the building became a Conciliar Seminary.
The portal rises above street level and is accessed via a double-flight staircase. Its structure follows the altarpiece-façade model, articulated in two bodies separated by a robust entablature. In the lower part, two stylized semi-columns frame the ensemble, while above the door stands the coat of arms of Bishop Beltrán, accompanied by an inscription indicating its construction date. In the second body, above the central window, is the coat of arms of Charles III.
THE CHURCH
The construction of the church began in 1617 and was consecrated in 1665. It follows the Jesuit typology of a nave with side chapels, connected to each other by lintelled doors. Above the chapels are the tribunes, open to the church through doors with balconies. It was designed and built up to the springing of the vaults by Juan Gómez de Mora, and it is here that the influence of El Escorial is best appreciated. Above the transept rises the enormous dome, whose pendentives bear the sculpted coats of arms of Philip III.
Inside the church, it was decorated with 10 altarpieces, with the main altar altarpiece standing out above all. It was made by Juan Fernández between 1673 and 1675 in a pre-Churrigueresque style. It is 22 meters high and its central body is traversed by enormous Solomonic columns. In the central section, the high relief of the Coming of the Holy Spirit stands out, flanked by the statues of the Fathers of the Western Church. The attic is presided over by the relief of the Virgin inspiring the Spiritual Exercises to Saint Ignatius. The transept altarpieces were consecrated to St. Francis Xavier and St. Ignatius of Loyola. Each of the seven side chapels is decorated with large Baroque altarpieces with different devotions, notably those dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the Visitation of the Virgin to her cousin Saint Elizabeth, and Saint James.
This church is home to two Penitential Brotherhoods that participate in Salamanca's Holy Week:
• The University Brotherhood of the Most Holy Christ of Light and Our Lady Mother of Wisdom. Founded in 1948.
• The Brotherhood of Our Father Jesus Flagellated and Our Lady of Tears. Founded in 1948.
The Flagellated is a magnificent work by Luis Salvador Carmona (1760). It was made for the sacristy altarpiece, which today has academic use, so it has been placed in the church, above the altar of the Saint Catherine altarpiece.
NOBLE FLOOR OF THE CLOISTER
The interior galleries of the cloister's noble floor are covered by barrel vaults with lunettes. Above the corner doors, canvases with portraits of cardinals and bishops of the Society of Jesus stand out.
The walls of the galleries are decorated with 28 canvases depicting the life of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. They were created in Rome, in the workshop of Sebastián Conca, in the mid-18th century.
AULA MAGNA
In the west gallery of the cloister, next to the main staircase, opens the General of Theology, today the Main Hall (Paraninfo) of the Pontifical University. The General of Theology was completed in 1746 by A. García de Quiñones.
It is a spacious rectangular room, whose vault is richly ornamented with plasterwork and stuccoes intermingled with allegorical figures and Latin inscriptions. At the top of the vault are represented the four Doctors of the Latin Church, interspersed with the coats of arms of Philip III and Margaret of Austria. In the large lunettes of the gables, Father Diego Lainez is depicted expounding one of his masterful lessons before the Council of Trent, and Wisdom and Saint Ignatius sending their children to teach all sciences.
MAIN STAIRCASE
In the west wing is the main staircase connecting the different floors of the cloister. It is also by Andrés García de Quiñones and is covered by a vault of panels filled with stuccoes featuring polychrome coats of arms of the founders. It is a spectacular cantilevered staircase with nine flights. The precedent for this staircase is found in the one Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón made for the Dominican convent of San Esteban in the mid-16th century.
CLOISTER OF STUDIES
The College houses a monumental three-story Baroque cloister, a work by Andrés García de Quiñones. Its structure consists of three bodies, the first two featuring giant order columns similar to those on the façade. Only on the lower level do the galleries have arches open to the courtyard. The noble floor has balconies with doors crowned by horizontal oculus windows. It is in this body that the decoration is concentrated, highlighting two coats of arms of King Philip V on each side.
Each year, when the academic course ends, this cloister serves as an incomparable setting for the graduation photo of students from the faculties based in this building.
From its privileged location, in the heart of the historic center and at the top of the Teso de las Catedrales, the Royal College dominates the entire historic city. The college occupies an extensive city block with facades facing Calle Compañía, to which it gives its name, and also Serranos and Cervantes streets. The exterior walls, traversed by hundreds of windows placed in superimposed rows, are reminiscent of those of the El Escorial Monastery. When observed from a distance, two long pavilions with galleries located to the north and south of the building stand out.
The college is structured around the large Cloister of Studies, with the church located to the south. On the eastern side, towards Cervantes Street, is the smaller cloister, today occupied by the Vargas Zúñiga library of the Pontifical University.
THE CHURCH FAÇADE
The façade is enclosed in Calle Compañía, opposite the Casa de las Conchas. Through its architectural articulation, based on giant order columns and large entablatures, it breaks the monotony of the exterior walls. Its growth in height reflects the evolution of the building from the Mannerist sobriety of the lintelled doors to the great Baroque style of the towers and bell gable. It is structured as if it were a large altarpiece divided into two bodies and three sections, individualized by giant order columns. It is topped by the imposing towers that flank the bell gable with the relief of the Coming of the Holy Spirit.
In the first body of the temple, above the side doors, the coats of arms of Philip III and Margaret of Austria stand out. The central niche, located above the main door, houses a sculpture of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
THE DOME
The dome, octagonal in plan and over 50 m high, is one of the most impressive elements of the complex. However, from a technical point of view, it presents certain deficiencies, which is why it has had to be restored on several occasions, especially after the Lisbon earthquake of 1755, whose effects caused cracks and collapses.
COLLEGE PORTAL
Jerónimo García de Quiñones was in charge of completing the college's portal after the expulsion of the Jesuits, at which point the building became a Conciliar Seminary.
The portal rises above street level and is accessed via a double-flight staircase. Its structure follows the altarpiece-façade model, articulated in two bodies separated by a robust entablature. In the lower part, two stylized semi-columns frame the ensemble, while above the door stands the coat of arms of Bishop Beltrán, accompanied by an inscription indicating its construction date. In the second body, above the central window, is the coat of arms of Charles III.
THE CHURCH
The construction of the church began in 1617 and was consecrated in 1665. It follows the Jesuit typology of a nave with side chapels, connected to each other by lintelled doors. Above the chapels are the tribunes, open to the church through doors with balconies. It was designed and built up to the springing of the vaults by Juan Gómez de Mora, and it is here that the influence of El Escorial is best appreciated. Above the transept rises the enormous dome, whose pendentives bear the sculpted coats of arms of Philip III.
Inside the church, it was decorated with 10 altarpieces, with the main altar altarpiece standing out above all. It was made by Juan Fernández between 1673 and 1675 in a pre-Churrigueresque style. It is 22 meters high and its central body is traversed by enormous Solomonic columns. In the central section, the high relief of the Coming of the Holy Spirit stands out, flanked by the statues of the Fathers of the Western Church. The attic is presided over by the relief of the Virgin inspiring the Spiritual Exercises to Saint Ignatius. The transept altarpieces were consecrated to St. Francis Xavier and St. Ignatius of Loyola. Each of the seven side chapels is decorated with large Baroque altarpieces with different devotions, notably those dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the Visitation of the Virgin to her cousin Saint Elizabeth, and Saint James.
This church is home to two Penitential Brotherhoods that participate in Salamanca's Holy Week:
• The University Brotherhood of the Most Holy Christ of Light and Our Lady Mother of Wisdom. Founded in 1948.
• The Brotherhood of Our Father Jesus Flagellated and Our Lady of Tears. Founded in 1948.
The Flagellated is a magnificent work by Luis Salvador Carmona (1760). It was made for the sacristy altarpiece, which today has academic use, so it has been placed in the church, above the altar of the Saint Catherine altarpiece.
NOBLE FLOOR OF THE CLOISTER
The interior galleries of the cloister's noble floor are covered by barrel vaults with lunettes. Above the corner doors, canvases with portraits of cardinals and bishops of the Society of Jesus stand out.
The walls of the galleries are decorated with 28 canvases depicting the life of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. They were created in Rome, in the workshop of Sebastián Conca, in the mid-18th century.
AULA MAGNA
In the west gallery of the cloister, next to the main staircase, opens the General of Theology, today the Main Hall (Paraninfo) of the Pontifical University. The General of Theology was completed in 1746 by A. García de Quiñones.
It is a spacious rectangular room, whose vault is richly ornamented with plasterwork and stuccoes intermingled with allegorical figures and Latin inscriptions. At the top of the vault are represented the four Doctors of the Latin Church, interspersed with the coats of arms of Philip III and Margaret of Austria. In the large lunettes of the gables, Father Diego Lainez is depicted expounding one of his masterful lessons before the Council of Trent, and Wisdom and Saint Ignatius sending their children to teach all sciences.
MAIN STAIRCASE
In the west wing is the main staircase connecting the different floors of the cloister. It is also by Andrés García de Quiñones and is covered by a vault of panels filled with stuccoes featuring polychrome coats of arms of the founders. It is a spectacular cantilevered staircase with nine flights. The precedent for this staircase is found in the one Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón made for the Dominican convent of San Esteban in the mid-16th century.
CLOISTER OF STUDIES
The College houses a monumental three-story Baroque cloister, a work by Andrés García de Quiñones. Its structure consists of three bodies, the first two featuring giant order columns similar to those on the façade. Only on the lower level do the galleries have arches open to the courtyard. The noble floor has balconies with doors crowned by horizontal oculus windows. It is in this body that the decoration is concentrated, highlighting two coats of arms of King Philip V on each side.
Each year, when the academic course ends, this cloister serves as an incomparable setting for the graduation photo of students from the faculties based in this building.