Zamora (Spain)

Romanesque cathedral consecrated in 1174. Highlights include the distinctive dome tower (a city icon), the Bishop's door, the choir stalls, high altar and chapels. The cloister (added in the 17th century) has a museum with Flemish tapestries depicting the Trojan wars. It's included in the cathedral ticket, along with Museo Diocesano within Iglesia de Santo Tomé.

Lobo (1910-1993) was a sculptor, born in Cerecinos de Campos 50 km north of Zamora. He mostly worked in Paris, being influenced by Brâncuși and Arp, and is best known for his depictions of mother and child. He's buried in Paris Montparnasse.

Facing the cathedral, this bastion was built around the 10th century, probably over Roman foundations.

Delightful little church outside the city walls, built maybe 1100 and dedicated to St James the Elder (or Apostle). It's also known as Santiago de los Caballeros - "of the knights" - because of the poetic legend that El Cid was knighted here: Afuera, afuera, Rodrigo, el soberbio castellano, acordásete debría de aquel buen tiempo pasado cuando fuiste caballero en el altar de Santiago, yadda yadda yah . . . As he'd died before the church was built he must have turned up as a corpse in shining armour, as he'd already done at Valencia.

A 7th century Visigoth church dedicated to St Peter was replaced in the 13th century. During the work they turned up relics claimed to be those of San Ildefonso (607-667), hence the dual dedication. He was actually still safely buried in Toledo, but they didn't care to enquire as churches needed holy relics to pull in the crowds and donations. This church was Romanesque but with various alterations down the years.

This exhibits archaeology and fine arts, with a small section on the history of the city.

The 12th century Romanesque Church of John the Baptist (San Juan Bautista) is also referred to as San Juan de Puerta Nueva, as it was near a gate in the city walls.

Huge collection over 3 floors of regional culture and heritage. Scant English signage.