I love cloisters, to me they are one of the most impressive forms of architecture. The pillars, the ceiling decorations, amazing stonework that looks effortless, but must have been so difficult to achieve.
I love the way the light hits the stone, the different perspectives you get as you walk around, and the contrast between sun and shadow.
We visited two beautiful cloisters on our second day in Salamanca. The first was in the convent attached to the church of San Estaban, itself an absolutely stunning building.
The second was the Convent of the Duenas, virtually next door. Not only were the buildings themselves so incredible, the views they gave across to the nearby cathedral were also wonderful.
I spent a lot of time just framing shots, there are definitely some here that I will want to print off and frame in future.
The cathedral dominates the skyline of Salamanca, and it is the most incredible example of the stonemasons’ art. There are actually two cathedrals built next to each other, an older medieval one, and the later gothic building.
There is something else in the stone work that you have to search for here, an astronaut carved as part of the renovations in the late 1980s. We eventually found it on the fourth door we looked at! I love this little creature on the left as well.
Although the newer cathedral was beautiful, it was the older one that had the best piece of religious architecture. Probably the most wonderful altar I have ever seen.
I couldn’t get any closer to take more detailed photos but this is an amazing piece of art.
We finished our trip with a visit to the Art Noveau house, once a private dwelling and now an art museum. No interior photos of the exhibitions allowed, but here is the exterior and the beautiful restaurant. I do keep coming back to this period, as I do so love it.
Medieval will always be one of my favourites for its richness, but there is something so lovely about the lines and form in this period.
I have one more post about Salamanca to share with you, then I can show you some of the wonderful things I have seen since I got back to the UK. It was such an interesting city to visit, full of just so many beautiful places, and of course wonderful doors!
Until then, thanks as always for visiting.
Stitches of Time 
Beautiful pictures Alison – I love the alter window which is curved with all those beautiful pictures.
I bought the book you recommended, Stitching Secrets. I’ll be starting it later this week.
best wishes
Barbara
Thank you Barbara, glad you liked the photos and hope you enjoy the book.
I’ll let you know how I get on with the book…I’d be lost without a book xx b
Hi Alison. Like you l love old architecture especially, Cathedrals. The stonework is amazing, and often quite wonderful. Thank you for another set of beautiful photos. Looking forward to your next adventure. Kind regards. Vivien xx
Thanks Vivien, I find it even more amazing when you consider when they were built, so much purely manual labour. Just wonderful.
I think the thing I love about cloisters is how they can be light-filled but shady. Not so necessary in England, but in Spain – very useful in the medieval period when they only had natural light to work by, but direct light (as I was reminded this afternoon) sometimes makes it harder rather than easier!
Yes, I really struggle in bright sunlight, have to wear sunglasses and then I can’t see colours properly!