The Dominican Monastery of San Esteban is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is due to both historical and aesthetic reasons. The Dominicans chose Salamanca in the 50s of the XIII century. The current monastery is already the second in this place. Columbus stayed in that first monastery in the early 90s of the XV century, when he came to Salamanca to prove to university geographers the possibility of reaching India by sailing West.. Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon did not just give money for the expedition... The current monastery was built from 1524 to 1610 according to the project of Juan de Alave. The coolest thing about it is the facade of the monastery church in the form of a title page-an altar forming a triumphal arch. San Esteban is St. Stephen, especially appreciated in the Catholic Church, because he has the status of a First Martyr. In the middle part of the facade, sculptor Seroni depicted at the beginning of the XVII century the torments of St. Stephen, who, as is known, was stoned in Jerusalem. Above Stephen is Golgotha with Jesus, modestly reminding that there was a more significant character before the first martyr. Above the arch are the coats of arms of Cardinal Juan of Toledo, reminding who was the initiator and customer of the construction of this Plateresco masterpiece. In the evening, the monastery was closed and I did not see the main altar by Jose Benito de Churrigera, the sacristy of Alonso Sardinha and Juan Moreno and the stairs of de Soto. They deserve a visit.

I enjoyed this convention more than the cathedral. It’s €4.50 so much cheaper but just as much to see. Architecture nearly as good and the balcony around the courtyard very good. It’s a bonus to be able to go to the choir and have a raised view of the church. Would recommend

Convento de San Esteban is part of the UNESCO heritage site "Old City of Salamanca". It was built from 1524 to 1620, to replace the former convent on the same site, and it is in Plateresque style. The imposing façade of the church is flanked by a portico giving access to the convent. There are several areas to visit: the church, the upstairs choir, the Soto stairs, the new and old chapterhouses, the "Royal" or processional cloister, the sacristy: all these are strikingly beautiful. There is also a small museum where the pieces on exhibition mostly come from missions around the world. For some reason, it looks like this convent is off the tourist beat, and there were only a few visitors the day I went.

So enjoyed our visit. Not crowded at all which was appreciated. Felt like we had the place to ourselves and could really soak it in. Feels like a holy place, not just an historical or architectural site, though it is both of these things as well. Generally understated except for the baroque altar which does not appeal to me but did not offend either. I loved the art, the little museum, the cloistered halls, the sacristy, the church inside. All are amazing to see, the architecture, attention to details, general design. Don't miss a thing, it's all very doable in 1 hour and everything will likely be of some interest.

There're two monasteries in Salamanca old town - this one and Duenas Monastery across the street. Both are 5 min walk from the main town attraction - Salamanca Cathedral and seem overlooked by it. Convento de San Esteban (St. Stephen Monastery) is a Dominican Monastery from 13c, however the present look is from 16c. No crowds and double cheaper entry fee than Cathedral. The Monastery Church facade is an astonishing artwork, as well the main altar.