cosmonaut carving at New Cathedral in Salamanca, Castilla y León, España Spain 111320_Spain
The astronaut on the Cathedral of Salamanca is not in fact a hoax, but an approved and modern addition to the Cathedral, however it has all the earmarks of something which may provide for great confusion some 500 years from now. Built between 1513 and 1733, the Gothic cathedral underwent restoration work in 1992. It is a generally a tradition of cathedral builders and restorers to add details or new carvings to the facade as a sort of signature. In this case after conferring with the cathedral, quarry man Jeronimo Garcia was given the go-ahead to add some more modern images to the facade including an astronaut floating among some vines. Among the other recently added images are a dragon eating ice cream, a lynx, a bull, and a crayfish. Despite there being clear documentation of the astronaut being a recent addition, the astronaut has already fueled ideas of ancient space travel, and alien interventions in the most credulous minds. Salamanca is a city in western Spain, in the community of Castile and León. Because it is known for its beautiful buildings and urban environment, the Old City was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. It is the most important university city in Spain and is known for its contributions to the teaching of the Spanish language. Salamanca supplies 16% of Spain's market and attracts thousands of international students, generating a diverse multicultural environment. Salamanca has two cathedrals, the Old Cathedral, of the 12th century and of Romanesque style, and the New Cathedral, much larger, built in 16th century of Gothic style and completed in 18th century. The place where it join both is known as Patio Chico and is one of the most charming corners of the city.
Size: 3744px × 5616px
Location: Salamanca, Castilla y León, España Spain
Photo credit: © DV TRAVEL / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 16th, architecture, astronaut, building, calle, cardenal, carving, castilla, cathedral, century, cosmonaut, deniel, españ, gothic, leó, monument, pla, religious, salamanca, sculpture, space, spain, spanish, style
