La Salamanca city It is one of the most important in our country and it is undoubtedly an ideal place for a weekend getaway in order to get to know the corners of this historic city. Its monuments, buildings and famous people have made it a World Heritage Site in 88.
If you want to discover everything you can see in Salamanca, we give you a few ideas, with those essential places that you have to pass through if you visit the city. A city with a lot of history that some writers chose as inspiration.
New Cathedral and Old Cathedral
In Salamanca there is not only one cathedral, but we can visit two. With the growth of the city, the first, which they call the Old Cathedral, became too small, so a second, the New Cathedral, was built. La Vieja is a representation of medieval Romanesque. They are attached by a wall, so it is easy to visit them, but the entrances of each one are independent. In the Old Cathedral the Torre del Gallo or the chapels stand out. The New Cathedral has a Gothic style and its façade you should look for the famous astronaut, a figure that seems taken from a futuristic imaginary and that has become a symbol in the city. This is one of the things to look for on the facades of the monuments of Salamanca, although it is not the only one. During our visit, we may spend a good time looking for figures on the facades.
Plaza Mayor
The large squares of many Spanish cities were undoubtedly the social center to which people went in search of entertainment. This hasn't changed that much over the years, because the Plaza Mayor is still a very social place to go. The square is shaped like closed quadrilateral and it has arcades where there are bars and terraces to rest and have a snack. If we are one of those who take visits with ease, we will surely pass through the wonderful Plaza Mayor several times. So we can also enjoy the lively atmosphere of this university city. In this baroque-style square you can also find the façade of the Town Hall. You have to look among the entertainment venues for some that have become an institution, such as the Novelty.
University of Salamanca
The University of Salamanca can hold the title of the oldest in Spain, having been founded in the XNUMXth century. The tourists who visit it do so without a doubt to see its facade, since it seems to rest a stone frog that must be found. As a clue we will say that it is in the right area of the facade and that the frog is perched on a skull. It is said that the students spent their time looking for it because if they found it it would give them luck to pass the race. The truth is that it seems that it is not easy to find the frog and there are people who spend a lot of time looking for it on the facade. We must sharpen our eyes and above all have patience to pass the challenge of the frog in Salamanca.
Casa de las Conchas
The Casa de las Conchas is a palace built in the XNUMXth century in the Gothic style. It is known by that name because on its facade it has more than three hundred shells carved in stone, which gives it a unique and singular appearance. This palace has very varied elements, from Mudejar, Gothic or Renaissance style. Inside this house there is currently a library that can be visited, as well as a beautiful cloister. There is a legend around these shells that says that a treasure map is hidden under them and that is why some are broken.
House Lis
Casa Lis is a XNUMXth century modernist building which stands out for the beautiful stained glass windows on the south façade. It was built on the city walls and today houses the Museum of Art Nouveau and Art Deco. It has exhibitions and activities. On Thursdays the entrance is free.
Garden of Calixto and Melibea
Although the visit to this small orchard may not be very spectacular, we think that it is also a must due to the relationship it has with the famous work of 'La Celestina', which we have all read in school. It is said that this was the garden in which they were inspired to write the work about the lovers Calixto and Melibea, so it is always interesting to stop and think about what could serve as inspiration. From the railings you can enjoy excellent views of the city, although it is certainly quite a busy place for these reasons, so it is difficult to find the romantic side.