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Zamora's most important monument is its unique cathedral, a 12th Century structure built in Romanesque style but with a number of later Gothic additions. Its most eye-catching feature is its scaly, hemispherical dome which consists of slabs of shingles that overlap each other and are usually described as looking like huge fish scales. Inside, there are superb iron grilles and Mudéjar pulpits surround Rodrigo Alemán's 15th Century choir stalls. The allegorical carvings of nuns and monks on the misericords and armrests were once considered risqué. The museum, off the sober cloisters, displays an important collection of 15th Century Flemish tapestries known as the Black Tapestries. These illustrate classical and military scenes. Nearby, several churches exhibit features characteristic of Zamora's architectural style, notably multi-lobed arches and heavily carved portals. The best are the 12th Century Iglesia de San Ildefonso and the Iglesia de la Magdalena.
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Western Europe
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