Salamanca
A World Heritage City
We recommend spending at least one day in this World Heritage City, one of the most beautiful in Spain. The city has become famous for its University, which is a magnet for thousands of students from all over the world.
It's quite compact and the best way to get around is on foot: a stroll to see the two cathedrals, the church of La Clerecía, the Casa de las Conchas and the impressive Plaza Mayor. You can also relax in charming locations and visit museums such as the Art Nouveau and Art Deco Casa Lis.
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MUST-SEE
The University of Salamanca
It is one of the oldest universities in the world. Its façade is the most remarkable feature of the whole building. The symbolism includes a frog perched on a skull. It is said that students who find it are lucky in their exams and pass.
The Plaza Mayor
Built in the 18th century, nowadays it is where all the citizens gather to celebrate festivities. It is currently full of restaurants and cafés. You will find this rectangular-shaped building in the centre of the city and it houses the Town Hall.
La Casa de las Conchas
This is a Gothic-style palace from the early 16th century. The most unique part is its façade, which is decorated with shells.
The Cathedrals of Salamanca
The city has two cathedrals, located next to each other. The New one is Gothic in style and has a large nave, while the Old one is a Romanesque monument, simple but full of small sculptural details.
The Convent of San Esteban
It is located in the Plaza del Concilio de Trento. Christopher Columbus stayed here when he went to explain to the geographers of the University of Salamanca about the viability of his project to sail to the Indies.
The garden of Calixto and Melibea
This is a 2,500 square metre garden in which the writer Fernando de Rojas was inspired to create the novel La Celestina.
Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum Casa Lis
A mansion located in the first modernist building in the city (Casa Lis, 1905) with exhibits of crystals, jewellery and historical toys that pique children's curiosity.
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WHERE CAN I GO TO EAT?
A typical dish in Salamanca is chanfaina, a stew made with goat or pig entrails. It is also very common to eat farinato, a kind of sausage made with lard, breadcrumbs and paprika. The garlic soup and black pudding from Salamanca, renowned for their unique flavour, should not go unmentioned. Desserts such as coconut balls and amarguillos are an important part of the local confectionery. In short, Salamanca's cuisine is a fusion of authentic and traditional flavours that reflect the culinary culture of the region.
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WHERE CAN I GO SHOPPING?
If you want to find a souvenir of the city, you can pop into the small shops located in the streets north of the Plaza Mayor. There you will also find franchises and designer shops.
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HOW CAN I GET TO SALAMANCA?
It is just over 200 kilometres from Madrid, and can be reached by car in just over two hours. You can also travel by bus (from Madrid Moncloa) and train (from Sol and Madrid-Príncipe Pio stations).
