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The ancient university town of Salamanca, lying
on the River Tormes, is one of Spain's most graceful cities. With Gothic
cathedrals, Romanesque churchs and the Plaza Mayor, widely considered
Spain's grandest Plaza, Salamanca is a feast of architectural grandeur.
History
Originally the city was an important staging post
along the Silver route from the mines in northern Spain to the south.
The city regularly changed hands for a period of 400 years after the
Muslim invasion of Spain. The founding of the University in 1218 was
a key point in the city's history. By the end of the 15th century it
was the equal of Oxford and Bologna and one of the most important areas
for artistic activity in Spain. By the 17th century though, the city
was following the rest of Castilla into decline and this decline was
not helped by the Napoleonic invasion which took place at the beginning
of the 19th century. Since then however, Salamanca has regained much
of its former prestige and become a major destination for students from
all over the world.
Climate
Andalucia is very hot in high summer, with temperatures
rising to 35°C. In Madrid and Salamanca it is slightly cooler, although
temperatures can climb above 30° C in July and August.
City Sights
The Plaza Mayor
The focal point of the city, the Plaza Mayor was built between 1729
and 1755. Bullfights were held in the Plaza until well into the 19th
century and the medallions around the plaza bear the busts of a variety
of famous people.
Catedral Nueva
This late Gothic cathedral dominates the city, and the wonderful Renaissance
doorways are worth a particular mention. Its dome can be seen from almost
anywhere in Salamanca.
The cathedral is open daily from 10am to 1pm and from 4pm to 6pm.
Catedral Vieja
Started in 1120, this cathedral came before Cathedral Nueva. Inside,
the cloister was largely ruined in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, but in
the Capilla de San Bartolome you can still admire one of Europe's oldest
organs.
The Catedral Vieja opens daily from 10am to 12.30pm and from 4pm to
5.30pm.
The University
Although founded in 1218, actually became a university in 1254 and was
most famous during the 15th and 16th century. A particular highlight
is its exterior of the university with its sandstone tapestry of religious
scenes, coats of arms and mythical heroes.The university can be visited
Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 1.30pm and from 4pm to 7.30pm. At the
weekend it is only open in the morning.
Day Trips
Madrid
The capital is only 2 hours away by bus, and like any other European
capital is a cosmopolitan mix of culture and life.
Ciudad Rodrigo
Less than an hour's journey from Salamanca, is a quiet old town and
the final stop on the way out of Spain to Portugal.
Sierra de Francia
Situated on the northern edge of the Province of Extremadura, is another
good possibility for a day out.
Segovia
The ridge-top city, directly east of Salamanca, is an old walled city
with a Roman aqueduct, and the town has much to see, not least the old
cathedral completed in 1577.
Activities
Shopping
The main shopping areas are located adjacent to the Plaza Mayor at the
opposite end to the old town. However, everything is within easy walking
distance.
Special Events
Easter Semana Santa
This traditional religious procession takes place throughout Spain between
Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday.
Where Can I Find The……?
Tourist Office
The main tourist office is on Plaza Mayor and is open daily from 9am
to 2pm and from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
Post and Communications
The main post office is on Gran Via 25. There is also a telephone office
on Plaza Mayor, near the tourist office, which is open daily from 8.30am
to 11.30pm.
The telephone code for the Province is 923
Medical and Emergency Services
Close to the centre. The Hospital Clinico Universitario (Tel:291100)
is on Paseo de San Vicente 58-182. There is a police station (comisaria)
on Ronda de Sancti Spiritus, 8, and in a medical emergency call for
an ambulance at the Cruz Roja (Tel:222222), Plaza de San Benito s/n
Banks
There are a wide range of banks and cash machines available throughout
the city. American Express can be found on Plaza Mayor 11 and is represented
by Viajes Salamanca.
Airport Transfers
There is no International airport in Salamanca.
If you are flying into Madrid, you can either take a bus or go by train
to the city. The bus from Madrid takes about two hours and there are
frequent services throughout the day. The Auto Res bus station in Madrid
on Calle de Fernandez Shaw,1 has buses to Salamanca. The nearest metro
station is Conde de Casal. Trains normally depart from Madrid's Chamartin
station in the north of the city. There are at least five daily and
the journey takes about three hours.
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