Torres de la Clerecía. Scala Coeli
Welcome to the Torres de la Clerecía. Scala Coeli
The towers are built to be close to heaven, a place where one simply finds happiness. But also to scan the horizon. As Unamuno once said, Salamanca is an "Alto Soto de torres" (a tall grove of towers). For this reason, ascending the Torres de la Clerecía is a unique experience—it's breathing in, seeing the world to pleasantly anticipate our future. Scala Coeli is a singular Stairway to Heaven, through which we can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city you've never known before.
WHAT IS SCALA COELI?
Scala Coeli allows visitors to discover the history of the Royal College of the Society of Jesus. The building, which today houses the Pontifical University of Salamanca, was begun in 1617 by order of Queen Margaret of Austria and Philip III, as the main center for the training of Jesuits who would later be sent to the American colonies and Protestant countries of Central Europe.
It is named Scala Coeli ("Stairway to Heaven") for both the physical sense of ascending 198 steps and the spiritual sense of gaining deeper knowledge into the life and thoughts of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus.
WHAT IS SCALA COELI?
Scala Coeli allows visitors to discover the history of the Royal College of the Society of Jesus. The building, which today houses the Pontifical University of Salamanca, was begun in 1617 by order of Queen Margaret of Austria and Philip III, as the main center for the training of Jesuits who would later be sent to the American colonies and Protestant countries of Central Europe.
It is named Scala Coeli ("Stairway to Heaven") for both the physical sense of ascending 198 steps and the spiritual sense of gaining deeper knowledge into the life and thoughts of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus.
SCALA COELI SPACES
Description of the spaces included in the Scala Coeli visit
The space is divided into three rooms.
In the first room, titled "The Beginning and the End," highlights include the portraits of Doña Margarita of Austria and Philip III, and documentation on the foundation of the Royal College of the Society of Jesus.
The second room is dedicated to the building's construction.
The third to the "New Rebirth."
The visit continues up the staircase leading to the church's two towers, the Bellringer's Staircase (Escalera del Campanero), which has been fully restored.
The passage between both towers, already from this height, offers a unique view of Salamanca, providing spectacular perspectives of the historic center of this heritage city.
The tour includes access to the matroneums or tribunes, from whose balconies visitors can gaze upon the interior of the Real Clerecía de San Marcos, a privileged spot to admire the main altar and its magnificent Baroque altarpiece.
More information
In the first room, titled "The Beginning and the End," highlights include the portraits of Doña Margarita of Austria and Philip III, and documentation on the foundation of the Royal College of the Society of Jesus.
The second room is dedicated to the building's construction.
The third to the "New Rebirth."
The visit continues up the staircase leading to the church's two towers, the Bellringer's Staircase (Escalera del Campanero), which has been fully restored.
The passage between both towers, already from this height, offers a unique view of Salamanca, providing spectacular perspectives of the historic center of this heritage city.
The tour includes access to the matroneums or tribunes, from whose balconies visitors can gaze upon the interior of the Real Clerecía de San Marcos, a privileged spot to admire the main altar and its magnificent Baroque altarpiece.
Night Visits
If you wish to enjoy a night tour of the Torres de la Clerecía, Scala Coeli organizes visits during the summer period.
Purchase your tickets online