SALAMANCA

View of the city

The city was founded by the Vacceans in the pre-Roman times. During the Roman period it was an important trade point and for several centuries, it was occupied by the Muslims until it was conquered by the Christians in the 12th century.

A view from the top

The King Alfonso 9th of León founded the university in 1218. It soon became one of the most prestigious academic centers of Europe.

Façade of the University

Salamanca is considered one of the most spectacular renaissance cities in Europe. The buildings of the old town are constructed with a stone that with time acquires a special patina that has gained for the city the name of Golden City.

Cloister

The Plaza Mayor was built at the beginning of the 18th century and it was used for bullfights. Nowadays it is the meeting point for all people and it is the site of many fairs and concerts. It is one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Plaza Mayor of Salamanca

A unique feature of the city is that it has two cathedrals. The “old one” is a Romanesque structure of the 12th century. Next to it we find the “new one” that was begun in 1509 and combines Late Gothic architecture with Renaissance structures. UNESCO declared the old town a World Heritage Site in 1988.

New cathedral

Salamanca was the European Cultural Capital in 2002. It is a very popular tourist destination and this is the main economic activity of the city.

Casa Lis Museum, Salamanca

Many young people come from all over Spain and Europe to study at the University and the student population is a large segment of the city’s population (more than 35,000 students and a population of 155,000 people). The city`s night life is very dynamic.