UNESCO World Heritage Site – Old City of Salamanca

The Church and Convent of San Esteban of the Dominican Order in Salamanca's old city. At the upper right, the commemorative inscription 'SALAMANCA', with the mint mark of the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre – Real Casa de la Moneda — a crowned 'M' — below. Along the lower edge, the issuing state 'ESPAÑA' and the year '2025'.

The Dominican monastery of San Esteban in Salamanca is considered one of the most important buildings of Spanish late Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Built between 1524 and 1610, the church features one of Spain's most elaborate Plateresque façades — a relief program of biblical scenes, saints, and ornamental decoration shaped largely by sculptors Juan de Álava and later Alonso de Covarrubias. The Plateresque style, a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish elements characteristic of Castile, reached its most mature form in Salamanca and remains visible today on the churches, college buildings, and city palaces of its historic center.

Salamanca's old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. The decisive factor was the exceptionally dense ensemble of medieval and early modern architecture surrounding one of Europe's oldest universities, founded around 1218. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Salamanca was one of the leading intellectual centers of the Iberian Peninsula; scholars such as Francisco de Vitoria, regarded as the founder of international law, taught and researched at its university. With the 2025 2-euro commemorative coin, Spain continues its UNESCO World Heritage series, honoring a city whose architectural heritage and intellectual-historical significance extend far beyond the region of Castile and León.