Salamanca is a Spanish city located in the community of Castile and Leon. It is located 200 km (124 miles) west of Madrid and it is among the most populous cities of this community. Salamanca is one of the most important university cities in Spain, and attracts thousands of international students every year. Its Old City was declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1988.
©Julián Rejas De Castro
Getting to Salamanca from Madrid
The train to Salamanca leave from 8:30 a.m. to 9:50 p.m. daily from Chamartín Train Station (Calle Agustín de Foxá. Subway station Chamartín). Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes approximately. Tickets: you can buy them on-line or in the station for 18.90 € round-trip and 23.65 € one-way.
If you want to drive to Salamanca the journey takes around 2.5 hours, since the city is 214 Km (133 miles) away from Madrid. Take the A-6 highway and drive from AP-6, AP-51 and A-50 to Castilla y León. Then, take N-501 and Paseo de Canalejas to Puerta de Zamora in Salamanca.
What to see in Salamanca
The University of Salamanca was founded in 1218 and the formal title of University was granted by King Alfonso X in 1254. It is the oldest university in Spain and the fourth oldest of Europe that still functions, and it currently host 30.000 students approximately. Nowadays, the University of Salamanca is an important center for the studies of humanities and is particularly distinguished for its language studies as well as laws and economics.
The Plaza Mayor of Salamanca is located in the center of the city. The construction of this place began in 1729 and was completed in 1755. It was built in the traditional Spanish baroque style. The Plaza Mayor is considered as the hub of Salamanca and as one of the most beautiful plazas of Spain.
The Old Cathedral of Salamanca is a National Monument which construction started in the first part of the XII century and was completed at the end of the XIV century. The cathedral was founded by the bishop Jerónimo de Perigord and then the bishop Alfonso Barasaque took care of the project and finished it. With its Romanesque and Gothic style, it is dedicated to Saint Mary. The apse of the cathedral holds a beautiful cycle of 53 tables showing the life of Jesus and Virgin Mary. Above it, there is a fresco of the Final Judgment.
©S. Hoya
The New Cathedral of Salamanca was built between XVI and XVII centuries in three styles: late Gothic, Renascent and Baroque. The cathedral was commissioned by Ferninand V of Castile of Spain and was declared a national monument by royal decree in 1887. The main entrance consists of three arcs, each of them leading to three naves of the church.
Ieronimus, the Medieval Towers of the Cathedral of Salamanca, are one of the symbols and most important monuments of the city. They are 110 meters high and they have a route inside of them that allows people to become familiar with the amazing history of its construction. These towers with its battlements, pinnacles and gargoyles, have various balconies that offer a truly privileged view of the entire city of Salamanca.
The old part of the city of Salamanca is a place full of history, culture and art. The old streets that are very well preserved show the most traditional styles and roots of the city. The historic town is the heart of Salamanca where the most prominent monuments and architectural treasures lie: the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedrals the University, the public Library, among others.
Where to eat in Salamanca
El Alquimista Restaurant is a quiet and modern place that aims to offer their clients a whole culinary experience. Its owners themselves kindly attend the place and provide all guests with an unforgettable service and especially tasty food.
Address: Plaza de San Cristóbal, 6, 37001 Salamanca, Spain.
Phone number: +34 923 21 54 93
Zazu Bistro is a cozy and bohemian place situated in the center of Salamanca that offers elaborated and fresh dishes following a French style.
Address: Plaza de la Libertad, 8, 37002 Salamanca, Spain.
Phone number: +34 923 26 16 90
