Church of Santiago de los Caballeros, Zamora

Santiago de los Caballeros is a Romanesque church featuring a single nave and a semicircular apse as its main structural elements. Two round arches frame the entrance portal, while rectangular windows allow light to fill the interior space.

This building rose during the second half of the 11th century as a place of worship. It became famous as the location where El Cid received his knighthood, giving it a special place in medieval Spanish history.

The interior capitals display intricate stone carvings showing biblical scenes, including Adam and Eve's expulsion from paradise and depictions of hell. These detailed works reflect how medieval craftspeople used sculpture to teach religious stories to visitors.

Access is available on weekends and during seasonal periods, with hours that vary throughout the year. Admission is free, and guided visits can be arranged through the local tourism office.

Inside the church stands a triumphal arch that serves as an internal portal, a feature found nowhere else in the city. This architectural detail often surprises visitors as they enter the main space.

Location: Zamora

GPS coordinates: 41.49965,-5.75828

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:09