Salamanca is known as «La Dorada», or «Golden City», because of the golden glow of its sandstone buildings. This charming town is untouched in its architectural purity. It is one of the five Spanish cities declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Salamanca boasts a student population of almost 35,000 (approximately 6,000 of whom are foreigners) which provides a lively atmosphere and nightlife. The Roman Bridge used to be the main entrance into Salamanca. It was an essential part of the Roman Silver Route (la Ruta de la Plata), which ran from the silver mines in the North, in Astorga, to Mérida. On «El Puente Romano», only the first 15 arches nearest to the city are original, the remainder having been swept away by a flood in 1626. They are made of rustic granite masonry and seated on pillars with cutwaters directed against the river’s flow.
Plaza Mayor. Surely the most beautiful spanish porched squares. Built in Baroque rule during the eighteenth century.
Casa de las Conchas. Considered as the most representative monument of the civil art of the time of the Catholic Kings, was built in the 15th century.
Old Cathedral. Initiated in the twelfth century with the canons of Romanesque and continued in later centuries.
University. It is the oldest of Spain by founding date, at the beginning of s. XIII. The current building has a facade plateresca carved in stone as if it were goldsmiths.
New Cathedral. Iniciated by Gil de Hontañón at the beginning of s. XVI, it was culminated in 1733.
Roman Bridge. On the Roman road linking Mérida and Astorga (Vía de la Plata). Fifteen of the arches are still the traditional Roman ones.
Antigua Iglesia de las Bernardas. Currently within the College of Padres Escolapios. Initiated in 1552 by Gil de Hontañón.
Gastronomy, Tapas and Night Life. You can’t leave the city without going out for tapas. Mid-morning or night, there is always some excuse to go out and try a nice tapa. You can choose from quality sausages, pancetta, steak, diced meat… The list is endless.
