La Clerecía
La Clerecía features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Salamanca. Give it roughly ~45 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type landmark
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Salamanca Salamanca guide
About La Clerecía
The towering Baroque church and college the Jesuits built in the old town. Its guided 'Scala Coeli' climb up the twin towers gives the best rooftop views in Salamanca, over the cathedrals and the golden roofs.
La Clerecía is the vast Baroque church and college that the Jesuits began building in 1617, under royal patronage, in the heart of the old town. Its church has a great dome over fifty metres high and a Latin-cross plan, and twin towers rise above the rooftops. When the Jesuits were expelled from Spain in 1767 it passed to a college of clergy, which gave it its short name; today it houses the Pontifical University.
The main draw for visitors is the Scala Coeli, the 'stairway to heaven', a guided climb up the towers that passes through the church's upper galleries and out onto balconies with the finest rooftop views in Salamanca, looking across to the cathedrals and the university facade.
Did you know? La Clerecía is the vast Baroque church and college the Jesuits began building in 1617 under royal patronage; its church has a dome over fifty metres high and twin towers over the old town.
How long is a visit to La Clerecía?
Set aside roughly ~45 min for La Clerecía. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is La Clerecía worth your time?
La Clerecía is among the 13 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Salamanca, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Salamanca
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about La Clerecía and read more:
Day 1 of the Salamanca in 2 days itinerary →
Updated:
Hear the story of La Clerecía
Preview the Salamanca tour free in the Gingerguide app.