Salamanca (Spain) is the beautiful city of Old Castile, which tourists liked for the unique architectural structures built several hundred years ago. The people called him little Rome. There are many attractions of historical value not only for Spain, but also for the whole world. Tourists are very fond of this place, especially those who cannot live without studying the architectural features of countries and cities. It's time to get to know the beautiful Salamanca!
A bit about the city: geography and population
Salamanca (Spain) is located in the western part of the country, 212 km from Madrid, if you follow in a northwest direction. The city is the capital of the province of the same name and belongs to the autonomous region of Castile and Leon. The estimated population is 170,000 people.
About how Salamanca appeared on the world map
The city is the oldest of all located in Spain. Its history begins in the III century BC, when at this place was a settlement of a small Celtic tribe conquered by Hannibal. Further, the city, at that time called Helmantica (or Salmantica), was a point on the "Silver Road" of the Romans. The bridge over the Tormes River, which has survived to this day, testifies to the veracity of this fact.
When the Moors were expelled from this area (which happened in 1085), Salamanca (Spain) began to transform: a cathedral and several Romanesque churches were erected . Speaking about the architecture of the city, which plays a key role in its modern appearance, it is worth noting that thanks to the use of golden stone, which began to be used in construction in the 13th century, modern people can admire the characteristic distinguishing feature of these unique creations.
But the 13th century became significant not because of the golden stone. At this time, King Alphonse IX signed a decree on the construction of the university, for which, after almost 800 years, tourists go to Salamanca, and in which thousands of students want to study today, after all, Cervantes and Lope de Vega were educated here .
The university was built in 1218. And, probably, it was only thanks to him that the city was developing so rapidly, keeping pace with the educational institution. Years passed, decades passed, centuries passed, and Salamanca grew: new buildings for various purposes, monasteries and churches appeared. Later, in the 1400s, the city was awarded the title of the country's key cultural center, again thanks to the university.
In 1985, the entire old district was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city of Salamanca in Spain is a unique settlement whose appearance is unique.
A small description of the town
Since the city is called little Rome, it is worth saying that the role of the Tiber is played by Tormes. Just on its right bank is the famous, bewitching, beautiful Old Town. The central part is represented by an area called Plaza Mayor. It is surrounded by Baroque buildings, which are given elegance by sculptural compositions, carvings and reliefs of prominent figures of Spain. There are also main city buildings, such as the city hall and the municipality, and entertainment establishments - shops, cafes and restaurants. From the Plaza Mayor, 2 central streets (Salamanca, Spain) pass through the entire Old City - these are Rua Mayor and San Pablo.
To the south of the central square is the University Quarter. The main building, built in the XV century, is made in the Gothic style, and the facade is literally dotted with a variety of mythical heroes, coats of arms and images from religious scenes.
Nearby are Old and New Cathedrals. Although the latter can hardly be called such - it was erected in the XVI-XVIII centuries. The old one was built in the 13th century; it was designed in the Romanesque style. And New is remarkable for mixing Renaissance and Gothic, forming something surprising and bewitching.
Opposite the Cathedrals there is a palace in the neoclassical style - it is an 18th-century Palacio de Anaya built. Now he is busy with the philological faculty of the University. Also not far from the campus, which occupies almost the entire city center, you can see the Salamanca Museum in the 15th-century Casa Abarque palace, the House with shells (Casa de las Conchas) and La Cleresia College.
In the northern district of the Old City, the convent of the 16th century Convento de las Ursulas attracts attention. The House of the Dead (Casa de las Muertes), whose facade is decorated with stone skulls, and the church of San Marcos with a collection of Gothic frescoes, which has a round shape, is impressive.
Salamanca (Spain) Attractions
Places to visit:
- The central square is Plaza Mayor in the Baroque style.
- Central Market Mercado de Salamanca.
- House with shells, built in 1193 in the Gothic style.
- University of Salamanca (campus).
- Old and New Cathedrals.
- Dominican monastery of San Esteban.
- Bridge Puente Romano, built during the reign of Troyan.
- 15th century Clavero watchtower built.
- Monterrey Palace, built in 1539 in the Plateresque style.
- The house of the dead in the Gothic style of the 16th century.
- Museum of Fine Arts of Salamanca.
- Columbus Square.
University of Salamanca - the reason for the popularity of the Spanish city
Many universities in Spain are famous. Salamanca still significantly wins in this matter compared to other cities. In its main educational institution, a huge library and no less large archive, because it exists for nearly a millennium.
The university has 16 faculties:
- biological;
- pharmaceutical;
- archival studies;
- theology;
- agrarian;
- pedagogical;
- legal;
- philological;
- philosophy;
- natural sciences;
- economic;
- stories;
- geography;
- arts;
- psychology;
- medical.
But today, although the educational institution continues to train specialists in various fields of knowledge (namely, 88 specializations), it represents more historical and architectural than scientific value. By the way, in mid-2004, the population of the campus was 28,155 people, which is about one sixth of all people living in Salamanca.
How to get there
In the city of Salamanca (Spain) you can arrive by direct flight from Moscow, as there is its own airport. You can also fly to Madrid, and from there go to the oldest city by train or bus. The latter option is more relevant for those who want to get acquainted with the Spanish capital, and then with the provinces.
What do experienced tourists advise?
Travelers who have already been to this beautiful place say that it is difficult to plan a trip, since the city is one huge museum. It is recommended to devote at least two full days to exploring all the sights, having planned the approximate time of visiting the sights. From 13 to 16 hours siesta - this must be remembered.
The second tip is to buy a map of the city. With it, visiting the sights will be cheaper, since it costs 23 euros, and if you pay "on the spot", you will need to allocate at least 36 euros.
No need to be afraid to take a taxi - it is cheap here. But, of course, if you need to constantly travel by transport, the bus will be a more economical option.
Hotels in Salamanca (Spain)
There are both prestigious hotels and quite cheap hostels. Accommodation in a hostel will cost an average of 1000-1500 rubles per day, and in a hotel - about 4-6 thousand, depending on location and “star rating”. One of the successful options is Microtel Placentinos - it has good reviews, is located in the city center, and the cost of living starts from 2300 rubles.
The city of Salamanca (Spain), whose photos were presented in the article, is a true paradise for connoisseurs of Romanesque and Gothic styles, as well as for people who like to study the past while visiting the sights of different countries. This is a place where you can drown, admiring Byzantine motifs, a unique plateresque, a golden stone shimmering in the sun, from which many buildings are built, the unique beauty of the domes of churches and painted altars. In general, Salamanca is a city that you need to visit at least once in your life!