Salamanca

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  • Salamanca
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  • Sightseeing
  • History
  • Tradition and food
  • Getting there

As the first Spanish city to found a university, Salamanca is filled with students especially in the historic district. The past is visible in the Old Cathedral, the huge Plaza Mayor and the Monterrey Palace, all splendid buildings that rightfully earned the city a place on the Unesco World Heritage Site list in 1988.

Old Cathedral and New Cathedral

The Old Cathedral, built in the Romanesque and Gothic styles between the twelfth and the fourteenth centuries, has a basilica ground plan that resembles a Latin cross with a central nave and two aisles. The New Cathedral, erected from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries, combines a mix of architectural styles, being mainly Gothic with Baroque additions. Set into the facade by the north entrance to the 300-year-old New Cathedral, there is a carved figure that looks like a modern astronaut. Owing to the antiquity of the building, we assume that this carving is part of the restauration work carried out on the Cathedral in 1992.

Salamanca - Catedral Nueva

Escuelas Mayores

The construction of this building, the one that best represents the University of Salamanca, commenced in 1411 and was completed only in 1533. The building of the Escuelas Mayores (Major Schools) is the most representative of the University of Salamanca. Legend has it that students who could spot in the façade, an outstanding example of the Plateresque style, a sculpted frog on a skull would pass their exams with flying colours.

Casa de las Conchas

Built in the late 15th century the Casa de las Conchas (House of Seashells) has a Gothic façade decorated with 350 seashells typical of the Order of Santiago/St. James. The shells remind us of the first owner of the house, Rodrigo Maldonado de Talavera, a knight of the Order of St James.

Casa de Lis

A palatial mansion in the Modernist style built in 1905, Casa de Lis (House of Lis) stands on the Salamanca walls. Today, it houses a museum devoted to art nouveau and art deco.

Monterrey Palace

Located in the heart of Salamanca, this palace was built by the 3rd Count of Monterrey in 1539. It’s in the Plateresque style, typical of the Renaissance in Spain. The towers and chimneys decorated with lions and fantastic animals are really amazing.

Convent of San Esteban

Housed in a Renaissance building, the convent belongs to the Dominican Order. Its interior boasts an altarpiece by José de Churriguera, the royal cloister and the stairwell by Soto.

Plaza Mayor

The nerve centre of Salamanca, the Plaza Mayor is surrounded by golden stone buildings. The Town Hall and the Royal Pavilion, which has busts of some of the kings of Spain.

 

OTHER TRAIN EXCURSIONS

A period train running between the capital and Aranjuez recreates the Madrid area’s first rail line. From 30 March to 10 November 2024.

With entertainment and treats along the way, this is a really unique and wonderful way of visiting a town steeped in history. From 13 April to 14 November 2024.

Travel from Madrid to San Lorenzo de El Escorial on a vintage train and unveil the secrets of King Philip II’s empire. From 23 March to 16 June 2024.

Get on board this vintage train whose steam locomotive pushes its way past stunning landscapes in southeast Madrid. From 3 March to 26 May 2024.

  • Hop onto a train or bus and leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind.

    Day Trips
  • Catedral de Toledo
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  • Located right in the centre of the country, Madrid is very well connected to the rest of the country and to the rest of the world, and can be easily reached by plane, train, coach and car.

    Travelling to Madrid

OFFICIAL PRODUCTS

The city’s new official sightseeing and tourist travel pass.

An observation deck at 92 metres.

Our online store (in Spanish) sells artisan souvenirs.