Salamanca Cathedral is one of the most impressive cathedral complexes in Spain, comprised of the Old Cathedral (12th century) and the New Cathedral (16th-18th centuries), built side by side.
It stands out for its blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, as well as for its imposing tower and the artistic richness of its interior. It is one of Salamanca's main monumental symbols and forms part of its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The famous astronaut on Salamanca Cathedral is neither a medieval sculpture nor a historical mystery. It was added during a restoration carried out in 1992.
There is a tradition among restorers of incorporating a contemporary element when restoring historical monuments, so that future generations can identify which parts were altered. During the restoration of the Puerta de Ramos (Gate of Palms), the sculptor in charge decided to include an astronaut as a symbol of the 20th century. Since then, it has become one of the cathedral's most well-known curiosities.
