Convento de San Esteban

Convento de San Esteban | Wikicommons. Autor José Luis Filpo Cabana

The Convent of San Esteban is an important religious construction located in the city of Salamanca; a historic building famous for its impressive architecture and which includes late Gothic, Renaissance and Plateresque elements, making the place one of the most interesting tourist spots in the city. 

Built by the Dominicans between 1524 and 1610, the building was built on a former 13th century convent. Construction started early. by Fray Martín de Santiago and completed by Juan Ribero de Rada; a project that involved about 86 years old and whose final result is a whole conglomerate of fascinating styles. 

Let's start with the main façade. In Plateresque style, the entrance is It is flanked by the statues of St. Peter and St. Paul, while the main door is in the background. guarded by the scene of the Stigmatization of Saint Francis of Assisi. To them are added a wide and rich decoration of sculptures and reliefs, with an intricate mix of religious motifs and decorative elements. 

Inside the convent we find a whole series of notable spaces. From the church, with its tall nave and main altarpiece by José de Churriguera, the main cloister known as Cloister of the Kings and the Sotomayor chapel. 

Another of the convent's strong points is its relationship and connection with important historical figures. It is believed that Christopher Columbus stayed here. in this convent while seeking support for her trip to the New World. It was also the teaching place of the famous Dominican theologian and philosopher Francisco de Vitoria, considered one of the founders of international law. To this day, visitors to the convent can enjoy the building-turned-museum, where they can explore its rich history and the building's impressive architecture.