Salamanca

Salamanca

Guide A visit to Salamanca can start at Plaza Mayor. Walk about 200 meters south along Calle Mayor to reach Casa de las Conchas, opposite which is the Clergy House. Continue south along Calle Libreros for less than 100 meters to find the pride of Salamanca—Salamanca University. To the southeast of the university, across the road, is the New Cathedral, which is connected to the Old Cathedral. Behind the Old Cathedral is the Casa Lis. From there, head northeast where the Church of Saint Stephen and the Convent of the Dames Nobles flank both sides of Plaza de Trento. Introduction Located on the northern bank of the Tormes River, Salamanca is the capital of the province of the same name in the region of León, and one of Spain’s most renowned historic and artistic cities. Known as the "City of Wisdom," it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Salamanca is also nicknamed the "Golden City" because many of its buildings are made from a type of yellow stone. This stone is soft on the surface when freshly quarried, ideal for carving intricate patterns. Over time, exposure to wind and sun does not erode these designs but instead makes them harder. The entire old town has a soft golden hue, filled with a sense of historical weight. At dusk, the towering spires, ancient churches, and palaces are bathed in a vivid fiery red, forming a magnificent scene—this is the city’s most beautiful moment.

Plaza Mayor: Commissioned by Philip V as a token of gratitude for the support Salamanca’s royalty gave him during the War of the Spanish Succession, this Baroque-style square was designed by the Churriguera brothers. It has been called “a heart full of sunlight and air” by Azorín.

Clergy House: A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, its construction took over 100 years.

New Cathedral: Construction began in 1513 and took 200 years to complete, earning it the nickname “the last sigh of the Gothic.”

Old Cathedral: Built in 1110, this Romanesque structure is solid and robust, resembling a fortress in appearance. Inside the Old Cathedral are 53 beautiful altarpieces and exquisite frescoes.

Salamanca University: Founded in 1254, it is Spain’s oldest university. Its façade is a prime example of Plateresque art.

Casa de las Conchas: Built in the late 15th century, it is one of the finest examples of Spanish Gothic architecture.

Roman Bridge: An ancient bridge over the Tormes River, built from rough granite and featuring 26 semicircular arches. The 15 arches closest to the city are said to have been built during the reign of Emperor Trajan in the 1st century AD, while the rest were reconstructed in the 17th century after suffering flood damage.

Colegio de Calatrava (Clergy College): A Baroque-style building established by the Jesuits in the 18th century.

Church of Saint Stephen: Its façade resembles a grand altar, adorned with intricate carvings in the Spanish Plateresque style. Twisted columns, elaborately carved coats of arms, jewelry-like floral and leaf motifs reminiscent of silverwork, and the contrast between these details and large flat surfaces are all characteristic of this style.

Dominican Convent: Flourished during the 15th and 16th centuries. Columbus sought help here for his voyage to the Americas and met with the Catholic Monarchs at this convent, where his dream came true.

Convent of the Dames Nobles: A perfect blend of Visigothic, Mudéjar, and Plateresque styles.

Casa Lis (Museum of Modern Art and Decorative Arts): A modernist building constructed in 1905, its decorations of glass, gold, and ivory inlays stand in stark contrast to the overall style of the old town. It displays furniture, porcelain, and interesting toys.

Museum of the History of Motoring: Showcases numerous exhibits related to automobiles, reflecting the continuous evolution and development in the automotive field over the years.

“The Machine with a Heart”: 20th-century mechanical inventions and developments marked the beginning of urban modernization.

History: Salamanca was originally inhabited by the Iberians, sacked in 217 BC by the Carthaginian army led by Hannibal, and later established as a settlement by the Romans. It was occupied by the Arabs in the 8th century before being reclaimed by Alfonso VI, becoming the site of a bishopric. Between the 8th and 11th centuries, it was a contested territory between Christians and Moors. From 1087 to 1102, Christians regathered here. In 1178, Ferdinand II held a session of the Cortes here. From 1253 until the end of the 16th century, Salamanca was an important cultural center and one of the most influential cities in Renaissance Spain, renowned for its university and theological schools.

Transport Buses: Buses to Salamanca depart from the station next to Méndez Álvaro metro station on Line 6. Express buses take 2.5 hours and cost €27.5; regular buses take 3 hours and cost €20.68.