Salamanca is the oldest university city of Spain, and the third oldest in Europe. The capital of the province of the same name, in the autonomous community of Castile and Leon, is one of the top tourist attractions of Spain.
Situated 200 km to the west of Madrid, for centuries Salamanca has attracted students and travelers from around the world. The old city, the site of the University of Salamanca, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from being one of the centres of learning in Spain, Salamanca also boasts of a youthful spirit. It is the perfect place for discovering the vibrant cultural heritage of Spain and experiencing the contemporary lifestyle of modern Spaniards.
Main Salamanca Sights
Salamanca University
The 13th century Salamanca University has attracted students from all over Spain and other parts of Europe for centuries. The University is also a magnificent work of art. The highlights of the architecture of the University are its ornate grand entrance and the ornamental façade.
Old Cathedral
The Old Cathedral is a gorgeous Gothic style monument, built between the 12th and the 15th century. The decorative screen behind the altar is the work of the famous Spanish painters of the time. The mural painting covering the vault depicts Christ at the Last Judgement. The Old Cathedral houses the tombs of the members of the royal family and the bishops.
New Cathedral
The New Cathedral is a magnificent gothic monument of Salamanca. Although construction of the cathedral started in the 16th century during the heydays of the new Renaissance architectural style in Spain, the New Cathedral was constructed according to the late Gothic architectural principles to blend with the architecture of the Old Cathedral. However, during the period of the construction, spanning for two centuries, Baroque architectural elements were included in the cathedral.
Las Duenas Convent
The 15th century convent of the Dominican nuns is an elegant monastery with Moorish elements. The ornate façade of the church of the convent is a key attraction.
Salamanca Plaza Mayor Square
Built in the Baroque style, Salamanca Plaza Mayor is an attractive square of the city. The city hall is situated to the north of the square. The 18th century square is currently one of the liveliest public areas of Salamanca
Casa de las Conchas House
Casa de las Conchas House, popularly known as the house of shells is a late Gothic style building with Moorish and Renaissance elements. The main attraction of the civil building is its façade decorated with shells.
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