As I mentioned last week in my review of the novel The Pillars of the Earth, the late Gothic period in Spain transitioned into a very ornate style of architecture called Plateresque. The New Cathedral of Salamanca is one example of this style.
Up close, you can see the incredible detail of the facades. “Plateresque” means “in the style of a silversmith,” so there are many little flourishes.
There were some renovations of the exterior done in the 90s, and the builders added their own touches, including this astronaut. See him on the left? It is definitely an unexpected detail!
You can find more details at the original Lens-Artist challenge.
Jedi by Knight 
Hi Mei-Mei, I love this sort of sense of humour. I live within easy reach of Lincoln Cathedral (in the UK) and there is a famous Imp creature (the city’s mascot/logo) carved atop a pillar sat amongst some grapes. The Imp is an original carving in the cathedral not added during restoration. However my favourite “invaders” are in fact C-3PO and R2-D2 when they were added to the hieroglyphs in the “Well of Souls” scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark! They appear on the wall behind Indy/Han/ Harrison as he opens the sarcophagus containing the Ark!
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/indianajones/images/2/25/WellOfSouls.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20051023201847
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Yes! I love that little “easter egg!” I love that you thought of that here, perfect 😀
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Hi again, it’s a fairly well known “easter egg” now, especially amongst Star Wars and Indiana Jones fans, but as it was the droids from space I had to mention them.
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Didn’t see your review Mei-Mei but it was my favorite novel of all times (although his second and third in the trilogy not so much). Your details are beautiful although I must admit I’m not a fan of adding an astronaut to such a classic structure
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I’m sure the astronaut is controversial! But it is very popular with tourist to try to find it.
I can see why Pillars is your favorite! It really did not need a sequel, but I am reading the second one now and enjoying it.
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Wonderful details, Mei-Mei. I love the addition of the astronaut in the Plateresque style! What a marvelous addition to the saints and apostles!
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Well – that astronaut really had me wondering – how could they get away with it? Very special detail!
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Remarkable details, Mei-Mei! The astronaut in the Plateresque style is so different. I, too, wonder how did they get away with it?
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