Introduction
It is a Gothic church in which an outstanding façade which depicts the Annunciation.
Chronology
It was built in 1490 in the Isabelian Gothic style.The church has a single nave with Gothic starry vaults. In the interior the neoclassic altarpiece stands out.
Historical fact
The origins of this church date back to 1104. During the Middle Ages the city of Salamanca was divided by two warring families. One of them was named after this church. These families, San Benito and San Tomé, had violent confrontations in the streets of Salamanca.
In 1490 the church was rebuilt under the initiative of Alonso de Fonseca who was the archbishop of Santiago at that time. The Maldonados, who were one of the most important families at that time, also contributed to its reconstruction. The church was consecrated as a pantheon to this family and its coat of arms are displayed thoughout the whole building. It is necessary to comment that until the 18th century, burials were made inside churches. The pantheon were reserved for noble or wealthy families, and the floor for the rest of the population.
Architectural element
One surprising aspect of this church is its great size. It has a polygonal apse and is covered by three Gothic vaults. Thick buttresses support the weight of the roof. The façade, which is an interesting expression of Gothic-flamenco art, is protected by a simple wooden roof. The entrance door has a flattened arch decorated with floral motifs. It depicts scenes of the Annunciation framed by keel arches and two half point arches. Above these two arches we find an image of the Creator with the globe in one hand. At the top of the façade are the coat of arms of the Fonseca family, on the observer's left, and of the Acebedo family on the right.
Other artistic elements
In the interior, the walls are hollowed to serve as niches. These Gothic pantheons are beautifully sculpted. Among them the visitor should note the niche of Elvira Hernández Cabeza de Vaca, located in the presbytery. She is dressed in the fashion of the days of the Catholic Kings. The main altarpiece, considered the best neoclassic altarpiece in Salamanca, was built in the 18th century by Juan de Sargavinaga. At the top of the altarpiece the Annunciation is depicted. In middle we find a beautiful Calvary from the 16th century.
Curiosity legend
Alonso de Fonseca was baptized in this church when he was born and it was he who later took the decision to reconstruct it.
As has already been pointed out, the church was the headquarters of one of the two factions that fought for power in the city throughout the Low Middle Ages. The territory of the San Benito faction was the west side of the city. The Santo Tomé faction was on the east side. The "headquarters" of the Santo Tomé faction was the current Plaza de los Bandos (Square of the Factions), named after the feud.
Open hours
Just before mass. Holidays: 1:00 pm, 9:00 pm. Eves of holidays: 8:30 pm
Construction date
In 1490.
It is a Gothic church in which an outstanding façade which depicts the Annunciation.
Chronology
It was built in 1490 in the Isabelian Gothic style.The church has a single nave with Gothic starry vaults. In the interior the neoclassic altarpiece stands out.
Historical fact
The origins of this church date back to 1104. During the Middle Ages the city of Salamanca was divided by two warring families. One of them was named after this church. These families, San Benito and San Tomé, had violent confrontations in the streets of Salamanca.
In 1490 the church was rebuilt under the initiative of Alonso de Fonseca who was the archbishop of Santiago at that time. The Maldonados, who were one of the most important families at that time, also contributed to its reconstruction. The church was consecrated as a pantheon to this family and its coat of arms are displayed thoughout the whole building. It is necessary to comment that until the 18th century, burials were made inside churches. The pantheon were reserved for noble or wealthy families, and the floor for the rest of the population.
Architectural element
One surprising aspect of this church is its great size. It has a polygonal apse and is covered by three Gothic vaults. Thick buttresses support the weight of the roof. The façade, which is an interesting expression of Gothic-flamenco art, is protected by a simple wooden roof. The entrance door has a flattened arch decorated with floral motifs. It depicts scenes of the Annunciation framed by keel arches and two half point arches. Above these two arches we find an image of the Creator with the globe in one hand. At the top of the façade are the coat of arms of the Fonseca family, on the observer's left, and of the Acebedo family on the right.
Other artistic elements
In the interior, the walls are hollowed to serve as niches. These Gothic pantheons are beautifully sculpted. Among them the visitor should note the niche of Elvira Hernández Cabeza de Vaca, located in the presbytery. She is dressed in the fashion of the days of the Catholic Kings. The main altarpiece, considered the best neoclassic altarpiece in Salamanca, was built in the 18th century by Juan de Sargavinaga. At the top of the altarpiece the Annunciation is depicted. In middle we find a beautiful Calvary from the 16th century.
Curiosity legend
Alonso de Fonseca was baptized in this church when he was born and it was he who later took the decision to reconstruct it.
As has already been pointed out, the church was the headquarters of one of the two factions that fought for power in the city throughout the Low Middle Ages. The territory of the San Benito faction was the west side of the city. The Santo Tomé faction was on the east side. The "headquarters" of the Santo Tomé faction was the current Plaza de los Bandos (Square of the Factions), named after the feud.
Open hours
Just before mass. Holidays: 1:00 pm, 9:00 pm. Eves of holidays: 8:30 pm
Construction date
In 1490.
Van Salamanca.es
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