Church of Saint Martin of Tours

The Church of Saint Martin of Tours in Salamanca is a Romanesque church with a three-nave basilica layout that ends in semicircular apses without a dome or transept. The structure stands near Plaza Mayor and displays the classical arrangement of a medieval religious building.

The church was built in 1103 by Count Martin Fernandez during the repopulation of Salamanca under Raymond of Burgundy's direction. It arose during a period when the city was being rebuilt following the Reconquista and religious structures formed the core of urban development.

The northern entrance displays a polychrome sculpture showing Saint Martin sharing his cloak with a beggar. This image is deeply rooted in the city's religious identity and represents the generosity and protection the church has embodied for centuries.

Visiting on weekdays is best when the church is accessible with fewer crowds. Its location near Plaza Mayor makes it an easy stop during a city walk.

The interior walls, pillars, arches, and ribs show visible deformations and damage from the 1755 Lisbon earthquake that rippled from far away. These marks document the power of a distant natural disaster that permanently altered the structure.

Location: Salamanca

GPS coordinates: 40.96447,-5.66468

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:02