La Clerecía, Baroque church building in Salamanca, Spain
La Clerecía is a Baroque church in Salamanca featuring a three-section facade with Corinthian columns, twin towers, and a central spire. The interior combines chapel spaces with university facilities and includes multiple courtyards connected by galleries.
Construction was commissioned in 1617 by Queen Margarita of Austria as an act of honor toward the Jesuit community following historical conflicts. The project was carried out over several decades and shows the connection between the Church and royal authority at that time.
The name comes from the clergy who ministered here, and the building continues to serve as a place of worship and gathering for university members. The spaces reflect the connection between spiritual life and scholarship that has been cultivated here for centuries.
Visitors can explore the building several days per week, with hours varying by season. Guided tours are available that lead through the chapels, courtyards, and up into the towers, providing a complete view of the structure and its spaces.
One interior courtyard holds a collection of around 28 paintings depicting the life story of a major religious figure, arranged under multi-level arches. This gallery creates a quiet contemplative space that casual visitors often overlook.
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