Salamanca: Museums

Casa de Las Conchas

This famous Salamanca landmark is decorated with over 300 sandstone shells. The windows on the ground floor are protected by exquisite bars, which have been referred to as "the most beautiful of Gothic Spanish ironwork." Within this 15th century house Gothic, Moorish, and Italian influences blend together beautifully. The patio is one of the most typical of Spanish cloisters. The staircase, covered by a coffered ceiling is of Italian influence. Today the Casa de las Conchas serves as a public library and it also houses the Provincial tourist office. The top floor is frequently used as a gallery for local and international artists.

Museo de Unamuno

Built beside the University in 1758 by García de Quiñones, it was primarily a Meeting Hall, but was later converted into a residence for Unamuno. Inside, there is a library, bedroom, photos, and personal objects from Unamuno (one of Spain's most masterful and influential writers) as well as a portrait of him painted in 1935.

Museo de la Universidad

Just inside the cloister of the Escuela de Menores is the University Museum.Some of Salamanca's finest artifacts such as painted wooden sculptures can be found here. The crown jewel of all the objects on display is the Salamanca Heaven. It was painted by Fernando Gallego in the 15th century; it represents an astrological chart following the new philosophical theories of time.

Casa Lis

The only notable example of Modernist architecture in Salamanca, this enchanting mansion was built by Joaquín Vargas at the beginning of the 20th Century. Its unique iron structure and stain-glass windows as well as its Gaudi-like twisted floral patterns ensure that its one of the most memorable sights of Salamanca. It houses the Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum containing works by Démetre Chiparus and Carl Fabergé among others.

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