Explore Salamanca, Spain: Old University, Cathedrals & History

Welcome to Salamanca, one of Spain’s most iconic cities and a glowing symbol of intellectual and architectural heritage. As your tour guide today, I’ll help you explore this vibrant city in western Spain, where golden sandstone buildings, a buzzing student atmosphere, and centuries-old traditions meet.
 

Salamanca is best known for its historic university, prestigious learning institutions, and a captivating blend of Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque styles that shine in every street and plaza. Let’s take a deep dive into why this city is a must-visit destination.

📍 Where Is Salamanca?

Location: Western Spain, in the autonomous community of Castile and León
Distance from Madrid: ~2.5 hours by car or train (~215 km)

Salamanca sits close to the Portuguese border and is a great stop on a cultural tour of Spain’s heartland.

🕰️ A Brief History of Salamanca

Founded in pre-Roman times, inhabited by the Celts and later Romans

Became a key religious and educational center in the Middle Ages

The University of Salamanca, founded in 1218, is the oldest in Spain

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 for its architectural and historical significance

Known as La Dorada or The Golden City for the warm hue of its sandstone buildings

🌟 Top Things to See and Do in Salamanca

1. Plaza Mayor

The heart of Salamanca and one of the most beautiful squares in Spain

Built in the 18th century in Baroque style

Surrounded by cafes and restaurants—perfect for a relaxed afternoon

Lively day and night with musicians, events, and a student buzz

2. University of Salamanca

Founded in 1218 by King Alfonso IX

Oldest university in the Hispanic world

Famous for its Plateresque façade – spot the hidden frog on the skull, a student legend for good luck

Don’t miss the Escuelas Mayores, Library, and the grand Lecture Hall

3. New and Old Cathedrals of Salamanca

Old Cathedral (12th century): Romanesque with beautiful medieval frescoes and altarpieces

New Cathedral (16th–18th century): Gothic meets Baroque with an impressive dome and bell tower

Climb the Ieronimus Towers for panoramic city views

4. Casa de las Conchas

Iconic building adorned with over 300 scallop shells – symbol of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

A blend of Gothic and Plateresque architecture

Now a public library with a stunning interior courtyard

5. Convento de San Esteban

A Dominican monastery with a magnificent Churrigueresque façade

Linked to Christopher Columbus, who is said to have stayed here

Peaceful cloisters and beautifully carved choir stalls

6. Roman Bridge (Puente Romano)

Built in the 1st century AD over the Tormes River

A well-preserved Roman relic, offering great views of the old city

Ideal for sunset walks and photographs

7. Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum (Casa Lis)

Housed in a modernist mansion

Features over 2,000 decorative pieces from the late 19th and early 20th centuries

Beautiful stained-glass windows and interior design

8. Clerecía Church and Scala Coeli Towers

Baroque church opposite Casa de las Conchas

You can climb the towers for another fantastic city viewpoint

Offers a unique perspective on the Plaza de San Benito

🧭 Recommended Itinerary (1–2 Days)

Day 1:

Morning: Visit Plaza Mayor and the University

Afternoon: Explore the Cathedrals and Casa de las Conchas

Evening: Dine at a terrace café and enjoy the illuminated city

Day 2:

Morning: Cross the Roman Bridge and visit Casa Lis

Afternoon: Visit San Esteban and climb Scala Coeli

Optional: Day trip to La Alberca or Ciudad Rodrigo

🍴 What to Eat in Salamanca

Local Dishes to Try:

Hornazo: Meat-stuffed pastry, typical during Easter

Farinato: Sausage made with breadcrumbs and pork fat

Jamón Ibérico: Salamanca is in one of Spain’s best ham-producing regions

Chanfaina: Rice dish with lamb or pork, seasoned with paprika

Recommended Restaurants:

Casa Paca – Traditional Castilian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere

El Mesón de Gonzalo – Elegant dining near Plaza Mayor

Tapas 2.0 – Modern take on classic tapas

🎟️ Entry Fees (Estimated for 2025)

📅 Best Time to Visit Salamanca

Spring (April–June): Mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and lively festivals

Autumn (September–October): Fewer crowds and beautiful golden light on the buildings

Avoid: August (can be hot and quieter due to student holidays)

🚉 How to Get to Salamanca

From Madrid:

By train: Renfe trains from Madrid-Chamartín (~1 hr 40 min)

By bus: Avanza buses from Estación Sur (~2.5–3 hours)

By car: ~2.5 hours on the A-50 highway

From Portugal:

Salamanca is ~2.5 hours from Porto, making it a great cross-border destination

🏨 Where to Stay

Luxury: Grand Hotel Don Gregorio – Boutique hotel near the Cathedrals

Mid-range: Hotel Rector – Elegant and quiet with great service

Budget: Roomin Hostel – Central, clean, and perfect for backpackers or students

📷 Best Photo Spots

Plaza Mayor at sunset – The buildings glow beautifully under golden hour

From Ieronimus Towers – For sweeping skyline shots

Roman Bridge with the Cathedral behind – Perfect for postcards

Casa Lis from the Tormes River side – Striking Art Nouveau architecture

🎓 Salamanca’s Student Culture

With over 30,000 university students, Salamanca is always lively

Many cafes, bookshops, bars, and events cater to the student crowd

The city hosts language schools, attracting learners from all over the world

Cultural events like the Nochevieja Universitaria (Student New Year) add to its youthful vibe

📌 Day Trips from Salamanca

La Alberca: Picturesque medieval village in the Sierra de Francia

Ciudad Rodrigo: Walled town with a castle and bullring

Zamora: Romanesque churches and scenic Duero River views

Avila: Known for its intact medieval walls and saintly history

💬 Fun Facts About Salamanca

Salamanca’s university awarded Christopher Columbus an audience with the Catholic Monarchs

Miguel de Unamuno, a famous Spanish philosopher, served as rector of the university

The city was featured in films like Vantage Point and 1492: Conquest of Paradise

The frog on the university façade has become a symbol of academic success

🧳 Why Visit Salamanca?

Salamanca is more than just a historic city—it’s a living testament to Spain’s golden age of learning, architecture, and cultural richness. Whether you’re an architecture lover, history buff, foodie, or student of life, Salamanca welcomes you with open arms and golden stones.

It’s a city where past and present co-exist beautifully, making every walk through its streets feel like a journey through time. Add Salamanca to your Spanish itinerary—you won’t regret it.