Trip to Salamanca in Western Spain
General Information
The city of Salamanca is located about 210 km west of Madrid and fits wonderfully into a road trip between Madrid and Porto or Portugal's Douro Valley.
Salamanca's historic center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. Most of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other. The city is renowned for its ancient university, over 800 years old, boasting magnificent historic buildings in the center of town near the monumental cathedral and not far from the vast main square.
The economy of the city (population around 140,000) is primarily driven by the university and tourism.
The city is filled with pedestrian streets lined with abundant restaurants—especially serving tapas and paella—cafes, ice cream parlors, and plenty of shops. It is fun and easy to explore entirely on foot. The Tormes River flows through the city, spanned by an ancient Roman bridge.
It is recommended to dedicate a full day to visiting the city, and therefore worthwhile to spend the night here to explore at a relaxed pace before moving on to your next destination.
Recommended Hotels in Salamanca:
♦ Hospes Palacio de San Esteban
A 5-star hotel located in the city center. Features a swimming pool, restaurant, and gardens. The hotel serves wonderful breakfasts.
Free Wi-Fi. Parking available for an additional charge.
♦ Salamanca Suite Studios
An all-suite hotel featuring studio units suitable for 2–4 guests. Each unit includes a kitchenette. Located right in the heart of the Old Town. The hotel offers excellent breakfasts. Free Wi-Fi. Parking available for an additional charge.
♦ Luxor Torre del Clavero Apartments
An aparthotel in the center of the Old Town offering studio units, one-bedroom apartments, and up to two-bedroom apartments with a living room. All apartments have a fully equipped kitchen. Accommodates 2–8 guests.
The hotel serves wonderful breakfasts. Free Wi-Fi. Parking available for an additional charge.
Destinations to Visit in the Historic Center:
It is recommended to park at the Le Mans parking garage and explore the city on foot from there.
Guided Tours in Salamanca:
♦ Small-group walking tour covering the city's main highlights:
The Best of Salamanca (English)
♦ Guided bike tour of Salamanca:
Salamanca Bike Tour in English, Nederlands, Deutsch o Español
The Main Square: Plaza Mayor
A vast and magnificent square bustling with outdoor cafes, restaurants, and striking, monumental architecture surrounding every side.
City Hall at the main square:
Plaza del Corrillo
Another prominent public square is Plaza del Corrillo, home to the Church of San Martín (Iglesia de San Martín), a Romanesque building dating back to the 12th century.
The House of Shells (Casa de las Conchas)
Rúa Mayor is among the most beautiful and central streets in the city. Following it leads directly to the Casa de las Conchas ("House of Shells"). This intriguing building was constructed in the late 15th century by one of the city's key aristocrats. Today it houses a public library, but the true attraction is its outer facade, decorated with over 300 shells intricately carved into the sandstone. According to local lore, good fortune awaits anyone who can find the shell carved with a cross.
The University of Salamanca
The most famous landmark in the city is the University of Salamanca, which is among the oldest universities in Europe.
The University of Salamanca is the true heart and soul of the city. Founded in 1218 by King Alfonso IX, it grew into one of Europe's premier centers of learning during the Renaissance and Enlightenment eras. It stands as one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world, currently educating more than 30,000 students.
The university campus spans several historic buildings showcasing diverse architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Baroque.
At the Patio de Escuelas ("Schools' Courtyard"), you will find an enclosed, impressive small courtyard. Standing at its center is a bronze statue of Fray Luis de León—a monk, poet, and professor of theology and philosophy who was persecuted by the Spanish Inquisition and imprisoned for several years on heresy charges.
Directly opposite stands the magnificent 16th-century facade of the university, serving as the main entrance.
From the courtyard, continue toward the Escuelas Menores, featuring a Plateresque cloister adorned with coats of arms and medallions. Inside, you can admire the intricate Mudéjar ceiling and, above all, the celebrated zodiac fresco known as "The Sky of Salamanca" (El Cielo de Salamanca).
The New and Old Cathedrals
Plaza de Anaya and its surrounding gardens form one of the most charming squares in the city. The New Cathedral is situated here.
On the ornate portals of the 16th-century New Cathedral (Catedral Nueva), the lower stone carvings feature unexpected modern additions incorporated during restoration work, including an astronaut, a monkey eating ice cream, and a stork.
Although ancient, it is called the "New Cathedral" because it was built alongside the original 12th-century structure known as the Old Cathedral.
Immediately adjacent to the New Cathedral stands the 12th-century Old Cathedral (Catedral Vieja).
It is highly recommended to climb up to the cathedral's upper terrace for spectacular panoramic views of both cathedrals and the entire city.
The Ancient Roman Bridge
Not far from the cathedrals, stretching across the Tormes River, is the Roman Bridge (Puente Romano), which still retains 15 of its original 26 stone arches. Its northern section dates back to the 1st century AD. The bridge offers splendid vantage points of the city skyline.
Restaurants
Recommended tapas restaurants in the historic center of Salamanca:
Tapas 2.0
Cuzco Bodega
