Since 2010, Correos has been issuing the World Heritage series, which combines philately and numismatics in a single element. The intaglio stamp reproduces the 2-euro coin issued by the Royal Mint and the stamp.
This year, 2025, the focus is on Salamanca, whose Old City has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
The façade of the Convent of San Esteban was chosen to illustrate the coin depicted on the stamp, and the arches of the cloister are featured in the background of the block sheet, depicting the interior of the convent.
The Convent of San Esteban is a convent belonging to the Order of Preachers or Dominicans. The current building was built between 1524 and 1610.
The façade of the church is one of the most beautiful examples of Spanish Plateresque architecture. In its central section, the depiction of the Martyrdom of Saint Stephen by Juan Antonio Ceroni stands out, and above this image, a Calvary by the same artist can be seen.
The Church of Saint Stephen has a Latin cross layout and a single nave with an altarpiece by José de Churriguera, as well as the side chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary.
The Soto staircase is striking for its innovative technique for the 16th century, as the lower section supports the entire structure and rests only on the walls, without bearing its weight on them.
Christopher Columbus traveled here to meet with the prior of the convent, Fray Diego de Deza, who was Isabella the Catholic's confessor. His goal was to convince the Dominicans to finance his voyage to the Indies.
