About Salamanca

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Salamanca’s a city with two cathedrals attached to one another.

The oldest of the two was erected between the 1100s and 1200s, and has an enchanting combination of romanesque and gothic styles, each reflecting the change in fashion as the cathedral was being built.

The chapels within the cathedral contain the solemn tombs of medieval bishops and nobility.

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The old cathedral’s newer partner was completed in the 1700s and also has a mixture of styles.
By the time it was built the baroque style was popular, but Salamanca’s authorities wanted the new building to harmonise with the old so they chose a gothic appearance, a long time after this had become outmoded.

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As you step through the centuries-old stone streets of the Casco Historico you’ll be taken aback by the volume of renaissance, gothic, baroque and Moorish-style buildings, most looking as good as new.
There more than 20 palaces here, nearly all dating to the Spanish Golden Age and many opening their stately doors to the public for exhibitions.

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Founded in 1134, this institution is the oldest university in the country and the fourth oldest in Europe.
At one time it was among the most prestigious in the world, and today it’s the main reason why Salamanca is a prime destination for people who want to learn the Spanish language.

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UNESCO’s report gives Salamanca’s impressive main square special mention. It was laid out in the mid-18th century and has a baroque design. On the ground level are 88 arches, belonging to an arcade that runs around the entire perimeter of the square, broken up only by the entranceways.
The lucky people who live on the Plaza Mayor have 247 balconies to lord it over everyone.

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Poking above Salamanca’s southern wall is a 19th-century mansion that was built for the wealth local businessman D. Miguel de Lis at the turn of the 20th century.The man certainly had modern tastes, as you’ll tell if you approach the building from the river and see the the lovely art nouveau iron and glass facade with its stained glass windows.The interior hosts a museum.

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If you keep your eyes peeled when you admire the medallions in the courtyard, you’ll see a renaissance carving of Cleopatra. She’s easy to identify thanks to that famous asp on her breast.
This courtyard is the 16th-century palace’s most sublime feature, where a gallery is supported by expertly-carved corbels and an ornate renaissance clock keeps time.

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As you take tour of this 16th-century Dominican monastery you’ll be struck by the opulence and extravagance of the building. If you have an eye for architecture then you’ll love the stone stairway in the main reredos, which is cantilevered by the walls.

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The Tormes River has a number of crossings, but none are as thrilling as this pedestrian bridge that spans almost 360 metres.It dates to the 1st century during the reign of Emperor Domitian, but the design that you see took shape around the time of Trajan on the cusp of the 2nd century.There are 26 arches, 14 of which have remained unchanged since the structure was erected.