While in Salamanca the students visited a number of interesting sites, including the Convent of Santa Clara, with its beautifully painted Mudejar ceiling, the Universidad de Salamanca, and the Monasterio de San Esteban. It is on the latter of these places that I would like to focus.
San Estaban offers the visitor a number of beautiful architectural wonders. First, the main portico is considered to be one of the best examples of plateresque art. You will notice the excessive detailing and use of space that makes for a harmonic design.
However, the real treasure (in my opinion) is the staircase that leads from the lower cloister to the upper. First, the weight of the entire staircase rests on the first flight of stairs. The other two flights are attached at the sides. You will notice that the construction is "arched." The combination creates an interesting illusion.
At the top of the first flight of stairs you find the following description of the staircase:
Sitting solidly on the earth, the staircase, of imposing stone, rises flight by flight towards the windows of light that culminate in the upper cloister.
The movement upwards symbolizes our effort to conquer understanding.
Time, patience, prayer and study.
Resting at the end of the staircase, the polychromatic figure of the Magdalen, looking toward the light with an open book in her hand.
The monastery offers a peaceful place for contemplation.
The monastery is also home to an excellent example of Baroque design found in the main altar of the church. Notice that the columns are typical of the period being imitations of the Bernini style (like those found in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome).
Other places that were visited are:
The Casa de las Conchas:
and Spain's oldest University, founded in the 13th Century:
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