Things to do in Salamanca

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Castile and Leon

University of Salamanca

University of Salamanca was founded in 1218 and is one of the oldest universities in Spain. Its long history and academic reputation are comparable to institutions such as the University of Oxford and the University of Paris. Christopher Columbus once presented his case to scholars here to gain support for his westward voyage. Names such as Cervantes, the poet Luis de León, and the writer Unamuno are all associated with this school, and the School of Salamanca, which was famous throughout Europe in the 16th century, also emerged here. The main building was built in the early 15th century and is arranged around a cloistered courtyard. The old lecture hall, the chapel, and the classroom where Luis de León taught have been preserved to this day. The old building is still in use, and strolling through it, you can see history intertwined with daily campus life. The highlight of the visit is the main facade facing the square. The entire wall is carved from golden sandstone produced in Villamayor, near Salamanca. Hidden among the intricate carvings is a small frog perched on a skull. A long-standing legend says that those who find it without a hint will have academic success, and it has now become a tradition during the visit.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Castile and Leon

Public Library of Salamanca - Casa de las Conchas

Public Library of Salamanca - Casa de las Conchas is located in the heart of Salamanca's old town and is a highly recognizable palace in this university city. Construction began in the late 15th century, commissioned by Rodrigo Arias Maldonado, a knight of the Order of Santiago, and it took over 20 years to complete. The facade blends a Gothic framework with early Renaissance Plateresque ornamentation, serving as a testament to the era of transition between old and new architectural styles. More than 300 protruding scallop shell carvings cling to the exterior, densely covering the walls, a feature quite rare among similar buildings in Spain. Today, the building serves as a public library. Stepping inside, you can visit the courtyard surrounded by two-story arcades, where the row of short marble columns on the upper level is particularly exquisite.

Casco Histórico de Salamanca

Casco Histórico de Salamanca is an ancient city that developed around a medieval university, with cobblestone alleys and buildings from various eras preserved quite intact. The houses in the old town are mostly built with locally produced golden sandstone. On sunny days, the entire district glows with a honey-like luster in the sunlight, and the color deepens at dusk, which is how it earned the nickname "City of Gold." Plaza Mayor de Salamanca is the heart of the old town. This 18th-century Baroque square is enclosed by circular arcades, with reliefs of past kings and celebrities adorning the pillars. Cafes and restaurants line the ground floor, bustling with activity day and night. University of Salamanca is one of the older universities in Spain, and its ornate facade and historic classrooms are worth seeing. The old town has a compact layout, and the main attractions are all within walking distance. You might want to slow down and wander through the alleys; the golden color of the sandstone facades is particularly moving in the evening sun.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Castile and Leon

Plaza Mayor de Salamanca

It is no exaggeration to describe the Plaza Mayor in the city center of Salamanca as magnificent. Its classical Baroque architectural style is unique among the many squares in Spain. It leaves a deep impression on many visitors and is the starting point for every walking tour in Salamanca. As a popular resting place for locals and tourists, Plaza Mayor is known as the heart filled with sunshine and air. Construction began in 1775 under Alberto Churriguera, and after the efforts of several architects, this rather ornate square in Spain was finally completed. Since then, Plaza Mayor has witnessed the socio-economic and religious changes that have taken place in Spain and Salamanca. It can be said that this is the best place for people to understand Salamanca.

No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Castile and Leon

Salamanca Cathedral

Salamanca Cathedralnow consists of two cathedrals, the new and the old. The Romanesque Old Cathedral was built in the 12th century, and its interior features exquisite altarpieces and frescoes created by the Italian painter Nicolás Florentino. The Gothic New Cathedral was built in the 18th century, and its interior features a diverse blend of styles, with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements intertwined. The carvings on the cathedral's facade are considered a masterpiece of Plateresque architecture. Salamanca Cathedralis an outstanding representative of the art history of Spain, and the exterior of this cathedral, formed by the connection of the new and old churches, is magnificent. Additionally, if you have extra time, the gatehouse outside the cathedral is also worth a visit.

Garden of Calixto and Melibea

Garden of Calixto and Melibeais a historic garden located in Salamanca, Spain, closely associated with the classic Spanish novel by Leon de Almeida. This garden is one of the key settings for the love story between the fictional characters Calixto and Melibea in the novel, attracting the attention of many literature enthusiasts and tourists. The garden features an elegant layout and lush, shaded trees, while winding paths and colorful plants create a sense of peace and relaxation. Visitors can stroll through the ancient garden, admire the changing scenery throughout the seasons, and enjoy its unique natural and cultural atmosphere. Additionally, the garden has benches for resting, providing an ideal spot for visitors to relax and reflect. This place offers more than just natural beauty. It also represents an important cultural symbol in the Spanish literary tradition. For visitors who love literature, history, or simply want to spend some leisure time in a quiet environment,Garden of Calixto and Melibeais a place worth visiting.

No. 2 of Night Attractions in Castile and Leon

Roman Bridge of Salamanca

This Roman Bridge of Salamanca is located in the Golden City of Salamanca. Although it has weathered over 2,000 years of history, it still stands intact, spanning the Tormes River. It is said that the bridge was originally built by Emperor Trajan, but of its 26 arches, only the 15 closest to the city date back to the 1st century AD, while the rest were rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries after the bridge was destroyed by floods. With its beautiful surroundings, the bridge has become a popular dating spot for university student couples. From one end of the bridge, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the Salamanca Cathedral (Catedral Nueva). After nightfall, the Roman Bridge of Salamanca, illuminated by city lights and accompanied by the gentle sound of flowing water, is incredibly romantic!

Museo Art Nouveau y Art Deco

The museum was originally the mansion of Magirdis, who was well-versed in Art Nouveau at the end of the 19th century, and has since been converted into a peculiar pavilion that combines classical architecture and modernist Art Deco. The building is full of glass work, gold and ivory inlaid decorations, and the colorful stained glass windows overhead are also a must. There are many valuable art exhibits such as pottery, gemstones and furniture in the museum. The more valuable ones are Vidri de Galle, the craft exhibition hall of Emile Galle, the founder of Art Nouveau, and the precious ceramic dolls from the second half of the 19th century in France. .

Salamanca Central Market

Museum of Automotive History