Salamanca’s rich collection of religious landmarks wouldn’t be complete without the Clerecía. This grand Baroque masterpiece was commissioned in the 17th century by King Philip III and Queen Margaret of Austria, who aimed to create a place to train seminarians and spread the faith worldwide. But let’s focus on the monument itself. The Clerecía is composed of two distinct parts: one public and one private. The public section includes the church and the adjacent schools where Jesuits taught until they were expelled in the 18th century. The private part served as the living quarters for the religious community. You’re currently looking at the church, with its striking façade framed by broad columns and crowned by two towering spires. Inside, the church features a single grand nave, side chapels, and a soaring dome rising 50 metres above the ground. One of the highlights is its vast Spanish Baroque cloister, spread across three levels — often considered one of the finest in Spain. Since 1940, the Clerecía has been home to the Pontifical University of Salamanca. Once the university arrived, regular worship services ended, but the church still hosts occasional wedding ceremonies, especially for alumni or those with ties to the institution.