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Welcome to Salamanca, university town par excellence and school of "art, knowledge and bullfights," home to poets and roving musicians, and the best Iberian ham around; total luxury in old Castile!





Catedral Nueva


Hispano-Flemish Gothic marvel
Patio Chico, 2
Salamanca 37008
Spain
The sense of space, harmony and light created by the enormous height of the naves is what makes the interior so special. There are three naves and 14 chapels in total. The most impressive chapels are the Capilla Dorada (golden chapel), Todos los Santos (All Saints) and Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (Our Lady of Suffering), with its statue by Mariano Benlliure and altarpiece by Churriguera. Gil de Hontañón, J. de Alava, the Churriguera brothers and Sagarvinaga were some of the important architects involved in the construction of this building between 1513 and 1733. Mass: M-Sa 9:30a (Santísimo chapel), Su 11a (convent), 12a (Our Lady of Suffering)

Admission: free

Review © 2007, Wcities
Catedral Nueva photo by Javier Sánchez Egido
Photo: Javier Sánchez Egido
Catedral Nueva photo by Bernard Higonnet
Photo: Bernard Higonnet
Catedral Nueva photo by mark24wade
Photo: mark24wade
Catedral Nueva photo by Zaloa Etxaniz
Photo: Zaloa Etxaniz
Catedral Nueva photo by Pedro Gimeno Fuertes
Photo: Pedro Gimeno Fuertes
Catedral Nueva photo by mikel echeverria
Photo: mikel echeverria
Catedral Nueva photo by Raquel Güereca
Photo: Raquel Güereca
Catedral Nueva photo by cris
Photo: cris
Catedral Nueva photo by V. Rodríguez Grupp
Photo: V. Rodríguez Grupp
Catedral Nueva photo by Nicholette Alcorta
Photo: Nicholette Alcorta
Catedral Nueva photo by migwell007
Photo: migwell007
Catedral Nueva photo by Mónica González S.
Photo: Mónica González S.
Catedral Nueva photo by lunigiana
Photo: lunigiana
Catedral Nueva photo by Nicholas Woytek
Photo: Nicholas Woytek
Catedral Nueva photo by Tores
Photo: Tores
Catedral Nueva photo by Roberto Hernandez
Photo: Roberto Hernandez
Catedral Nueva photo by karpersa
Photo: karpersa
Catedral Nueva photo by Bill Lowe
Photo: Bill Lowe
Catedral Nueva photo by Gabriel Sánchez Holgado
Photo: Gabriel Sánchez Holgado
Catedral Nueva photo by JuanGa
Photo: JuanGa
Catedral Nueva photo by Hooverphonic
Photo: Hooverphonic
Catedral Nueva photo by dznana
Photo: dznana
Catedral Nueva photo by Reyes_Arribas
Photo: Reyes_Arribas
Catedral Nueva photo by Lorenzo Varela Paire
Photo: Lorenzo Varela Paire
Catedral Nueva photo by Jaimecín
Photo: Jaimecín
Catedral Nueva photo by Marta Zarzuelo
Photo: Marta Zarzuelo
Catedral Nueva photo by jesus.poveda
Photo: jesus.poveda
Catedral Nueva photo by bagonville chiara
Photo: bagonville chiara
 

 
Church of Santiago del Arrabal


Mudéjar church in lovely setting
Puente Romano
Salamanca 37008
Spain
On the way out of the city, on the banks of the River Tormes and by the Roman Bridge, stands the only 12th century Mudéjar church in Salamanca. Built in a strategic place -where the Way of St. James meets the La Plata Roman Road-, it's in a lovely setting. The church has been completely restored after being virtually abandoned for some time. Inside the main features are three decorative apses. Masses: Su 11a.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Church of Santiago del Arrabal photo by Andrea Kirkby
Photo: Andrea Kirkby
 

 
House of the Shells


Gothic masterpiece
Compañía, 2
Salamanca 37002
Spain
+34 923 26 9317
This stately house is the finest example of non-religious Gothic architecture in Spain. It's just two minutes from the Plaza Mayor. It's named after the shells, or "conchas," that decorate the façade. These were added to celebrate the marriage of Rodrigo Maldonado's son. Maldonado was a professor at the university and he owned the building. Construction began in 1493, in a style that combined Spanish and Flemish Gothic features with early Renaissance motifs. A tourist information office, a public library and a conference and exhibition hall are all now housed here. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
House of the Shells photo by Alex Aranda (fleax)
Photo: Alex Aranda (fleax)
House of the Shells photo by Julen Landa
Photo: Julen Landa
House of the Shells photo by Carlos Rodríguez Casaseca
Photo: Carlos Rodríguez Casaseca
House of the Shells photo by Karen Lee
Photo: Karen Lee
House of the Shells photo by Andrea Kirkby
Photo: Andrea Kirkby
House of the Shells photo by Mike Gregory
Photo: Mike Gregory
House of the Shells photo by Keeley Madison
Photo: Keeley Madison
House of the Shells photo by Diego San Román
Photo: Diego San Román
House of the Shells photo by Paul Blockley
Photo: Paul Blockley
House of the Shells photo by Andrea Calabretta
Photo: Andrea Calabretta
House of the Shells photo by Fawn Bertram
Photo: Fawn Bertram
House of the Shells photo by Daniel Tardif
Photo: Daniel Tardif
House of the Shells photo by emilygrieves
Photo: emilygrieves
 

 
Lis House (Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum)


Beautiful inside and out
Gibraltar, 4
Salamanca 37001
Spain
+34 923 12 1425
http://www.museocasalis.org/
This early 20th-century art nouveau mansion is a prime example of the modernist architecture at that time, moving away from the use of stone to iron, glass and ceramics. It now houses the city's Art Nouveau and Art Déco museum where one can admire over 1600 works of art from the modernist and belle epoque periods. The porcelain dolls, the Fabergé jewels and the Lalique and Emile Gallé glasswork are all outstanding. There are also displays of paintings, furniture, porcelain, enamels and bronzes.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Lis House (Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum) photo by Johnny Do
Photo: Johnny Do
Lis House (Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum) photo by sensata57
Photo: sensata57
Lis House (Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum) photo by Rubén Echevarría
Photo: Rubén Echevarría
Lis House (Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum) photo by vero_89
Photo: vero_89
Lis House (Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum) photo by Felipe J. García
Photo: Felipe J. García
Lis House (Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum) photo by Jesús Adán
Photo: Jesús Adán
Lis House (Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum) photo by José A. J. Crespo
Photo: José A. J. Crespo
 

 
Monterrey Palace


Noble Renaissance palace
Plaza de Monterrey, 1
Salamanca 37002
Spain
This is one of the finest existing examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture and you'll find it in the pretty little Plaza de Monterrey. It rivals the royal palaces in Seville in terms of beauty. It was built for the aristocratic Monterrey family in 1539 by the architect, Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón and now belongs to the Alba family. The exterior is eye-catching: the two towers bear coats-of-arms belonging to noble families like the Fonseca, Zúñiga and Maldonado. Even the chimneys are outstanding works of art and display family shields in the corners.

It is not open to the public.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Monterrey Palace photo by Liz Fidoe
Photo: Liz Fidoe
Monterrey Palace photo by martapaulina
Photo: martapaulina
Monterrey Palace photo by Harriet Fesq
Photo: Harriet Fesq
Monterrey Palace photo by Jose Carlos
Photo: Jose Carlos
Monterrey Palace photo by Sandra Goromi
Photo: Sandra Goromi
 

 
Old Cathedral


Example of Spanish Romanesque architecture
Patio Chico, 4
Salamanca 37001
Spain
Work on this cathedral began in 1150 and was completed in the early 13th century. It takes the form of a Latin cross and has a dome called the Torre del Gallo on account of the weathercock on the top. Take a look at the beautiful murals in San Martín's chapel that were signed by the painter, Antón Sánchez de Segovia in 1262. The impressive 12th century altarpiece is dominated by the statue of Salamanca's patron saint, La Virgen de la Vega. The altarpiece has 53 panels describing the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, created by the Italian artist, Dello Delli in 1422. The Gothic tombs, the cloister, the chapels and the chapter house where the museum is located are all worth visiting. You have to go through the Catedral Nueva (New Cathedral) to reach the Catedral Vieja (Old Cathedral).

Review © 2007, Wcities
Old Cathedral photo by laurenh
Photo: laurenh
Old Cathedral photo by Dr J Bowman
Photo: Dr J Bowman
Old Cathedral photo by Jillian Woodruff
Photo: Jillian Woodruff
Old Cathedral photo by maulja17
Photo: maulja17
Old Cathedral photo by John Hunter
Photo: John Hunter
Old Cathedral photo by Jeff Dybdahl
Photo: Jeff Dybdahl
Old Cathedral photo by Jolyon Leonard
Photo: Jolyon Leonard
Old Cathedral photo by Janet L. Moore
Photo: Janet L. Moore
Old Cathedral photo by Sharon Frost
Photo: Sharon Frost
Old Cathedral photo by Michael Connelly
Photo: Michael Connelly
 

 
Orchard of Calixto and Melibea


Inspired the tragicomedy La Celestina
Patio Chico, s/n
Salamanca 37001
Spain
You'll find this famous orchard in the old town, close to the Catedral Vieja (Old Cathedral) and the defensive walls. It's an oasis of lush vegetation and tranquility in the midst of the city and is probably the place that inspired Fernando de Rojas to write his novel La Celestina. All manner of plants and trees grow here: olive trees, cypress trees, acacias and almonds. Try and visit when they're in bloom. The two wells that the character "Melibea" fetched water from to water the sweet-smelling herbs are still here today, and so are the herbs - bay leaves, rosemary and mint. It's worth taking a walk through here to enjoy the garden and the views of the two cathedrals and the majestic Torre del Gallo tower. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Orchard of Calixto and Melibea photo by Deborah
Photo: Deborah
Orchard of Calixto and Melibea photo by N. Franco
Photo: N. Franco
Orchard of Calixto and Melibea photo by Victoria Rachitzky
Photo: Victoria Rachitzky
Orchard of Calixto and Melibea photo by kike & laura
Photo: kike & laura
Orchard of Calixto and Melibea photo by Daniel García Bañuelos
Photo: Daniel García Bañuelos
Orchard of Calixto and Melibea photo by María Luisa Ferrando
Photo: María Luisa Ferrando
Orchard of Calixto and Melibea photo by Lucía Alonso
Photo: Lucía Alonso
Orchard of Calixto and Melibea photo by Alessio Roveri
Photo: Alessio Roveri
Orchard of Calixto and Melibea photo by Silvia Oviedo
Photo: Silvia Oviedo
Orchard of Calixto and Melibea photo by gaelx
Photo: gaelx
Orchard of Calixto and Melibea photo by Paola Ramirez-Jelvez
Photo: Paola Ramirez-Jelvez
 

 
Plaza Mayor


The most beautiful public space in Spain
Salamanca, Salamanca 37001
Spain
+34 923 21 8342 (Tourist Information)
Built between 1729 and 1755, the square is the city's central attraction, a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque architecture. Behind the impressive arches, there are numerous bars and cafés with terraces in the summer to enjoy daily city life passing by. It's an irregular square surrounded by three floors of buildings with symmetrical balconies above 88 semi-circular arches supported by solid stone pillars. The Royal Pavilion and the town hall are located here. There are decorative moldings that depict famous people who are somehow related to the city.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Plaza Mayor photo by Natalie Wagner
Photo: Natalie Wagner
Plaza Mayor photo by chandra darjatmoko
Photo: chandra darjatmoko
Plaza Mayor photo by hershome
Photo: hershome
Plaza Mayor photo by Ignacio Alles
Photo: Ignacio Alles
Plaza Mayor photo by Rui Lebreiro
Photo: Rui Lebreiro
Plaza Mayor photo by Andrew Macpherson
Photo: Andrew Macpherson
Plaza Mayor photo by Caitlynn Husz
Photo: Caitlynn Husz
Plaza Mayor photo by H@rry
Photo: H@rry
Plaza Mayor photo by Francesco
Photo: Francesco
Plaza Mayor photo by Adam Blicharski
Photo: Adam Blicharski
Plaza Mayor photo by J. Gachez
Photo: J. Gachez
Plaza Mayor photo by jorge glez
Photo: jorge glez
Plaza Mayor photo by la legione di resistenza
Photo: la legione di resistenza
Plaza Mayor photo by timandangela.org.uk
Photo: timandangela.org.uk
Plaza Mayor photo by gr@ss@pi@nt@
Photo: gr@ss@pi@nt@
Plaza Mayor photo by Katherine Medina
Photo: Katherine Medina
Plaza Mayor photo by Silvia Hachegé
Photo: Silvia Hachegé
Plaza Mayor photo by Emma Bedford
Photo: Emma Bedford
Plaza Mayor photo by fiona cooper
Photo: fiona cooper
Plaza Mayor photo by Nicolò Panzera rider
Photo: Nicolò Panzera rider
Plaza Mayor photo by Mário José Martins
Photo: Mário José Martins
Plaza Mayor photo by Alfonso Moure Ortega
Photo: Alfonso Moure Ortega
Plaza Mayor photo by La maldición de Sísifo
Photo: La maldición de Sísifo
Plaza Mayor photo by eltercero.net
Photo: eltercero.net
Plaza Mayor photo by Raquel Glz de Artaza
Photo: Raquel Glz de Artaza
Plaza Mayor photo by stoffelinchen
Photo: stoffelinchen
Plaza Mayor photo by Daniel J. Guzman
Photo: Daniel J. Guzman
Plaza Mayor photo by Marco J
Photo: Marco J
 

 
Pontifical University


Pefect example of baroque architecture
Compañía, 5
Salamanca 37002
Spain
+34 923 27 7100
http://www.upsa.es
Formerly the Sacred Spirit Royal College, founded by the wife of Felipe III, Margaret of Austria, in 1611, it was one of the bastions of the Jesuits in Spain until they were expelled in 1767. It was designed by the royal architect, Juan Gómez de Mora in a "U" shape, and took 150 years to build. Since 1941 its has belonged to the Universidad Pontificia (Papal University). The Claustro de los Estudios faculty is considered one of the most outstanding baroque buildings in Europe, and the staircase in the main hall is also a must-see. There's a café in the academic area.

Admission: free

Review © 2007, Wcities
Pontifical University photo by benicio_del_toro
Photo: benicio_del_toro
Pontifical University photo by Araia
Photo: Araia
Pontifical University photo by Peter Christener
Photo: Peter Christener
Pontifical University photo by Andrés Milleiro
Photo: Andrés Milleiro
 

 
San Blas Church and Auditorium


Romanesque church, now municipal hall
Peñuelas de San Blas, s/n
Salamanca 37007
Spain
This 12th century Romanesque church is located in a hill called Peñuelas de San Blas and opposite the Colegio de los Irlandeses. From it you can get a wonderful view of the most famous monuments in the city, such as the Clerecía, the university, and the cathedrals. It's said that San Juan de Sahagún, patron saint of the city, gave his last sermon from this church. Since then it has been the subject of various modifications. The most recent renovations were after the War of Independence and the sale of church lands. It's now a municipal concert hall. The building is only open for concerts.

Review © 2007, Wcities
San Blas Church and Auditorium photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
St. Stephen's Convent (Dominican)


From Renaissance to Gothic
Plaza del Concilio de Trento, 1
Salamanca 37001
Spain
+34 923 21 5000
Its plateresque façade is simply magnificent, resembling a richly decorated altar piece. The most outstanding of its stone-carved reliefs features the image of San Esteban himself by Ceroni. Through the Renaissance-style gateway you come to the Gothic-style royal cloisters and inside the church you'll find a splendid baroque altar piece by José de Churriguera. Famous characters from history have spent time here, including Domingo de Soto, Francisco de Vitoria and Christopher Columbus. Mass: Su 9a, 11a, noon, 1p, & 8p.

Review © 2007, Wcities
St. Stephen's Convent (Dominican) photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
University of Salamanca


World famous plateresque architecture
Patio de Escuelas, 1
Salamanca 37008
Spain
+34 923 29 4400
http://www.usal.es/
The plateresque façade of this place is famous all over the world. The filigree work contains symbolic imagery that gives rise to numerous legends. If you can identify the image of a frog, you're sure to have good luck, so the story goes. The university's treasures include fabulous tapestries in the central hall, staircases with plateresque reliefs, paintings by Juan de Flandes in the high gallery and Europe's first university library.

Review © 2007, Wcities
University of Salamanca photo by fernan81
Photo: fernan81
University of Salamanca photo by Andrew Castellano
Photo: Andrew Castellano
University of Salamanca photo by Katie Goldstein
Photo: Katie Goldstein
University of Salamanca photo by Dax Paz (Sunyat)
Photo: Dax Paz (Sunyat)
University of Salamanca photo by Olga Diez
Photo: Olga Diez
University of Salamanca photo by maggieven
Photo: maggieven
University of Salamanca photo by Jen & Cam Morrison
Photo: Jen & Cam Morrison
University of Salamanca photo by William B. Shofner
Photo: William B. Shofner
University of Salamanca photo by pericog
Photo: pericog
University of Salamanca photo by erinineurope
Photo: erinineurope
University of Salamanca photo by Luis Pineda
Photo: Luis Pineda
University of Salamanca photo by Lindsay Dinges
Photo: Lindsay Dinges
University of Salamanca photo by Rachel Mennies
Photo: Rachel Mennies
University of Salamanca photo by Carolina Mejia
Photo: Carolina Mejia
University of Salamanca photo by jason chan
Photo: jason chan
University of Salamanca photo by JKD2006
Photo: JKD2006
University of Salamanca photo by K. R. Williams
Photo: K. R. Williams
University of Salamanca photo by Roman Rubinstein
Photo: Roman Rubinstein
University of Salamanca photo by chinojos
Photo: chinojos
University of Salamanca photo by Gil
Photo: Gil
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Salamanca"
Salamanca - Historical Background
Salamanca - Neighborhood Guide
Salamanca - Where to Stay
Salamanca - Dining & Drinking
Salamanca - Art & Entertainment

Other nearby cities:
Madrid (160 miles)
Toledo (184 miles)
Bilbao (362 miles)
Seville (399 miles)
Zaragoza (406 miles)
Valencia (484 miles)
Bordeaux (596 miles)
Barcelona (652 miles)
Montpellier (839 miles)
Marseille (951 miles)

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