Salamanca: Sites of Interest

Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor in Salamanca is considered one of the most marvelous and beautiful Plazas in all of Spain. This is the focal point, the heart of the city where everyone meets their friends under the reloj (clock tower) before they go out to the discos or bars. During the beautiful evenings the plaza is teaming with families, students, and travelers basking in the late day sun at one of the several outdoor cafes, or sitting in small groups scattered around the middle of the plaza floor.

Built in the 18th century, in the Baroque style this monumental plaza is perfect in its unity of style and grandeur of design. Porticoes formed by rounded arches are supported by solid columns that uniformly surround the plaza. Above them rise three-story mansions with austere iron balconies.

Casa de las Conchas

This famous Salamanca landmark is decorated with over 300 sand stone 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.

Patio de las Escuelas Menores

Just off to the side of the Patio de Escuelas the buildings - begun in 1428 - were constructed for the secondary school students. The little Plateresque facade (1533) is similar to its more famous University counterpart. Through a passage, you find yourself in an attractive single story baroque patio with angled archways and balustrades, designed by J. García de Quiñones. The rooms off the patio include the University Museum, which houses the "Salamanca Heaven", a section of the University Library ceiling.

University

Again one of the most impressive sights to behold in Salamanca is that of the University and its façade. It is one of the most representative monuments of the Spanish Plateresque style. The interior of the University is equally impressive with beautifully constructed staircases, library, and chapel. Visit the classroom of Fray Luis de Leon where he gave his most famous lectures.

Cathedral Vieja y Nueva

Work on the magnificent Cathedral began in 1497 since the Old Cathedral was proving too small for a growing city like Salamanca. Not completed until 1733, which explains its mixture of styles, it passed through the capable hands of architects Joaquín de Churriguera, Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón and Juan de Álava. Along with Segovia, it represents one of the most beautiful examples of late Gothic architecture in Spain, with the outstanding iconography of its sculpted doorways, grandeur in height and luxuriant ornamentation, as well as rich and elegant interior. Next-door is the Old Cathedral, which predominantly was sculpted from Roman influences.

Convento de San Esteban

It is one of the most important buildings in the city, not just because of its excellent preservation but also because a number of its theologians have become important within the University. Building commenced in 1524 on top of Romanesque ruins, and it was completed around 1610. It includes the church, the side door, the connected ministerial buildings and three cloisters. The building as a whole encapsulates a mixture of styles from Gothic to Plateresque, right up to Baroque.

Puente Romano

The Roman Bridge, considered to be a product of the roman Emperor Vespasiano, was an essential part of the Roman Silver Route, which ran from the silver mines in the North from Merida and Astorga. The bridge's hulking mass spans the Rio Tormes and is shadowed by the towering new cathedral making it an impressive sight.

Colegio Mayor

The Colegio Mayor is a great place to hang out and rub elbows with the local Spanish students. Once inside the massive doors hang a right and go down the winding stairs where they will lead you to a small underground café. Take a friend or your inter-cambio for a cup of coffee and soak up the atmosphere.

Colegio Fonseca

If you are looking for a place to study or relax outside of the norm, this quiet old palace will most definitely make you feel like a king. Named after the Archbishop Fonseca and later after the Irish, this college unites the most select of the Plateresque architecture. It was built in 1527 and the most interesting aspects of the building are its facade and graceful patio. Stop in for a quick drink or tapas in the cafeteria and then make yourself at home in the lounge's palatial surroundings.

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