Románico Zamora

Church of San Andrés

12th century

It was built during the 12th century by the Sotelo family on an ancient Roman temple located in the Seminario Square and was rebuilt in the 16th century. It combines Romanesque and Renaissance elements.

The church rebuilding took place between 1550 and 1570 by Antonio de Sotelo, who was one of the captains of Hernan Cortes during the conquest of Mexico. It retains the original construction of the tower (its top was cut off though) and part of northern elevation.

It is a temple of considerable size which has only one wide nave and the peculiarity of having at its head part two twin chapels which communicate with each other. The chapels are covered with ribbed vaults while the central body has a Moorish framework held by transverse arches. Originally one of the chapels was planned to be used by the congregation and the other was reserved for the Sotelo family. This is a work by García de Luzaga.

It is worthy of special mention the sepulchre of Antonio Sotelo inside the church as well as the altarpiece of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, completed in 1585. The altarpiece is placed between the two main chapels and consists of three sections on Corinthian and Ionic columns. There were placed images of the Assumption, the blessing Savior, Calvary and God the Father. On both sides are the apostles, some prophets and other decorations. This alabaster funerary work stands out for the sculpture of Antonio de Sotelo, who is praying and wears a suit of armour. The inscriptions under the pediments are remarkable as well.

In the Church of San Andrés there are more altarpieces dated from the 17th and 18th centuries. From this period are also the large ovals and sixteen ornamental covers that represent the Passion and whose walls are covered during Lent.

Next to the temple in 1722 was attached the Diocesan Seminary, built by the Jesuits. Between 1991 and 1995 a complete restoration of the temple and its contents took place.

Interior de la Iglesia de San Andrés

En su interior como pieza destacable cabe citar el sepulcro de Antonio Sotelo y el retablo de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, finalizado en 1585. El retablo se encuentra entre las dos capillas mayores y lo forman tres cuerpos sobre banco columnas corintias y jónicas. En las calles se colocaron imágenes de la Asunción, del Salvador bendiciendo, del Calvario y de Dios Padre. A los lados aparecen los Apóstoles, diversos profetas y otras ornamentaciones.

La obra escultórica funeraria destaca por la estatua orante de Antonio de Sotelo con la armadura de época recreada e inscripciones bajo los frontones, todo ello ejecutado en alabastro. En la Iglesia de san Andrés existen más retablos del siglo XVII y XVIII. De esta época son también los grandes óvalos y dieciséis paramentos que representan la Pasión y cuyos muros son cubiertos durante la Cuaresma.

ADDRESS

It is located at 2 Seminario Square
49003 Zamora

To view the entire route from your position to the monument, you can click on the Google icon located on the lower left corner of the map.

OPENING HOURS AND VISITS

From 1st  October until 6th January:
From Tuesday to Sunday: from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:30 to 18:30.   
Closed on Monday.

From 5th  March until 30th September:
From Tuesday to Sunday: from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00.
Closed on Monday.

GENERAL INTEREST SERVICES

Tourist offices: 

- Local tourist office: It is located at 5, Arias Gonzalo Square. Tel. +34 980 533 694

- Castilla y León tourist office: It is located at 1, Príncipe de Asturias Avenue. Tel. +34 980 531 845

- Provincial tourist office: It is located at Viriato Square. Tel. +34 980 534 047

Local police: Tel. +34 980 531 245

Civil Guard (police with responsibilities outside towns): Tel. +34 980 521 100

Emergency telephone numbers: 112

- Virgen de la Concha (Hospital): Tel. +34 980 548 212

Bus station: Tel. +34 980 521 281

Train station: Tel. +34 980 521 110

Taxi: Tel. +34 630 630 630 

Civil defence: Tel. +34 980 536 190