Torre del Clavero (Clavero Tower), Salamanca
Rising approximately 28 meters high, the Clavero Tower was constructed in the second half of the 15th century as part of the palace of Don Francisco de Sotomayor, a high-ranking Clavero Mayor of the Order of Alc谩ntara. The name "Clavero" itself refers to this title, meaning he was entrusted with the keys and archives of his order.
One of the tower鈥檚 most captivating features is its unusual form: a sturdy square base transitions smoothly into an eight-sided upper section about twenty meters above ground. Around its upper tier are eight semi-cylindrical turrets鈥攌nown as garitas鈥攅ach ornately decorated and topped with heraldic shields. The cornice is lined with blind arches and modillions鈥攃lassic Gothic decorative motifs.
Though it perhaps suggests a defensive structure, the tower鈥檚 height and design indicate that it was more a symbol of noble prestige than a martial stronghold. Some historians suggest it was part of a civil urban palace, possibly echoing designs like the tower of Belalc谩zar Castle, rather than serving any real fortification function.
Declared a national monument on June 3, 1931, it's one of the few remnants of noble fortifications in the city along with the Tower of the Air. In 1943, the tower was donated to the municipal government and later became home to offices for Salamanca鈥檚 provincial government and cultural institutions. Although public access inside is limited, its exterior continues to enchant visitors.
One of the tower鈥檚 most captivating features is its unusual form: a sturdy square base transitions smoothly into an eight-sided upper section about twenty meters above ground. Around its upper tier are eight semi-cylindrical turrets鈥攌nown as garitas鈥攅ach ornately decorated and topped with heraldic shields. The cornice is lined with blind arches and modillions鈥攃lassic Gothic decorative motifs.
Though it perhaps suggests a defensive structure, the tower鈥檚 height and design indicate that it was more a symbol of noble prestige than a martial stronghold. Some historians suggest it was part of a civil urban palace, possibly echoing designs like the tower of Belalc谩zar Castle, rather than serving any real fortification function.
Declared a national monument on June 3, 1931, it's one of the few remnants of noble fortifications in the city along with the Tower of the Air. In 1943, the tower was donated to the municipal government and later became home to offices for Salamanca鈥檚 provincial government and cultural institutions. Although public access inside is limited, its exterior continues to enchant visitors.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Salamanca. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Torre del Clavero (Clavero Tower) on Map
Sight Name: Torre del Clavero (Clavero Tower)
Sight Location: Salamanca, Spain (See walking tours in Salamanca)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Salamanca, Spain (See walking tours in Salamanca)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Salamanca, Spain
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Salamanca's splendor began with the royal charter of Alfonso IX... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Salamanca's Historical Buildings Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles