Monuments and Museums in Salamanca

Being in one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe , means there is enough to see.

Plaza Mayor

The heart of Salamanca which you can’t miss. The impressive Plaza Mayor, designed by Andrea García Quiñones and Alberto Churriguera, was built in 18th century. The empty surface in the centre, where bullfights were held until 1963, is surrounded by equal four-storied facades. The flanks are decorated by medallions with portraits of various famous people, including General Francisco Franco and King Juan Carlos. The Plaza Mayor is a famous meeting point for Salmantinos and tourists. When you have an appointment, you meet each other ‘debajo el reloj’, under the clock.

Universidad Civil (university)

An attraction you can’t miss. The famous University of Salamanca was founded by King Alfonso IX in 1218 and is one of the oldest in the world. During the next centuries it was known as one of the most important academic centres in Europe, compared to the Universities in Paris, Oxford and Bologna. The facade of the building is an example of plateresco style, with medallions, coats of arms and rich floral motifs. Among this sculptures there is a hidden frog, which brings luck for everyone who will find it without any help. The old lecture halls around the cloister are still used during important academic ceremonies and also are open to the public. You can easily stroll through the courtyards and enjoy the unique atmosphere of being in one of the most prestigious universities in the world, one with a great history.

Catedrales (Cathedrals)

Salamanca 's Cathedral actually consists of two cathedrals, built next to each other. The Old Cathedral of the 12 th century, which is entered from the south aisle of New Cathedral, is an example of Roman architecture. Inside is a monumental retablo with 53 scenes from the life of Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ and an apocalyptic vision of Last Judgement above it. The New Cathedral was built during the 16th, 17th , and 18 th centuries, so a mixed influence of Late Gothic, Plateresco and Baroque can be observed here. Inside, the most notable features include the elaborate choir stalls, main chapel and retro choir, all courtesy of the Churriguera.

Casa de Las Conchas (House of the Shells)

This was a town mansion of Rodrigo Maldonado de Talavera , who was a doctor at the court of Isabel and a member of the Order of Santiago , whose symbol was a shell. That's why you can find 300 bas-reliefs of St Jacobs shells on the ornamented facade of this one of the most endearing buildings in Salamanca , that was built in 1514. The shells create changing patterns of light and shadow, depending on the position of the sun.

Convento de San Esteban (Monastery of St. Stephan)

This convent was built between 1524 and 1610, and as most of the monuments in Salamanca, the facade of the monastery is made in plateresco style, covered by lots of decorations, bas-reliefs and ornaments. In the central part is a scene that shows the stoning to death of St. Stephan. Inside, the eastern part of the convent houses a huge baroque altar, a masterpiece by Jose Churriguerra. Strolling through the cloister, you can go upstairs to admire the choir stalls.

Puente Romano (Roman Bridge)

The Roman Bridge was built in 89 BC from granite and was an important cell on the Silver Route that linked Meriga and Astorga. The bridge was partly destroyed by water, during the flood in 1626. Nowadays still remain 15 arches.