History of Salamanca

On this page we'll not annoy you with tons of texts from history books. We just give you some historical highlights, because also the past of Salamanca is very rich, from Celts to Romans, and from the Silver Route to General Francisco Franco.

The beginning

Salamanca was settled by Celtic tribes in 400 BC. Later, under Roman domination, Salamanca belonged to province of Lusitania and was a strictly agricultural area. During this period it formed one of the most important cells on the Silver Route that connected Merida and Astorga. Nowadays you're still able to see a part of the city walls and you can cross the Roman bridge.

The Arab's period

In 712 Salamanca was brought under the Arabs and occupied by them for almost five centuries. Because the city was situated on the frontier of the Arabic part and the Spanish Kingdom, Salamanca suffered a lot of wars in this time.

The Christian era

One of the most important moments in Salamanca 's history was the year 1218, when Alfonso IX created the University of Salamanca . Soon it became one of the most significant and prestigious academic centres in Europe . The Pope Alexander IV called it the “one of the four leading lights of world” besides Oxford , Paris and Bologna . The University of Salamanca hosted many famous scientists and writers, like Christopher Columbus and Miguel de Cervantes.

Peninsular War and afterwards

During the Peninsular War a battle took place near Salamanca , which was a landmark in a Napoleon's occupation and ended the French invasion on Spain . Lots of buildings were destroyed during this period. Later Salamanca , as a headquarter of General Francisco Franco, played a significant role during the Spanish Civil War.

Salamanca today

With the collapse of the Franco regime and the restoration of the monarchy in Spain , Salamanca became a modern city without loosing its historical atmosphere. The new Salamanca was appreciated by adding the city to the list of World Heritage Sites in 1998 and establishing Salamanca as European Capital of Culture in the year 2002.