Top Six Most Beautiful Places in Salamanca, Spain

Salamanca is an ancient and charming city in the Northwest part of Spain. Like many visitors to Salamanca I was there to study at it’s renowned University. While I was there, I took the time to explore much of what the city has to offer and found that there were numerous beautiful places in Salamanca that rival those of the larger and more well-known European cities. I compiled six of my very favorites in no particular order and explain why they made the cut.

El Plaza Mayor

Like many European cities Salamanca has a large main square. I think Salamanca’s is particularly beautiful. I visited during the holiday season so it was decorated with Christmas lights, only adding to the charm.  Go for a Sit down in one of the various cafes in the square and try out a hot chocolate.  I would kill to have another hot chocolate like I had in Salamanca. It’s as if they just melted a chocolate bar in a cup for you, decadent and delicious. The perfect treat for sitting in the plaza and doing some people watching.

El Catedral

Although they designate between the old and new cathedral they are both essentially on the same site. When they say new it just means newer then the original one but is in actuality still quite old considering it was built sometime between the 16th and 18th centuries. One comical addition to the new one is the tiny astronaught that one of the carvers snuck into the carvings during a renovation in the nineties. Apparently, the locals were not amused but it is an entertaining treat for the tourist to go find it. The old cathedral has the bell tower that you can pay to walk up and view the roofline architectural features of the cathedral itself. I highly recommend this at is a beautiful place in Salamanca to see the views of the city.  Though I am not Catholic some trip mates and I enjoyed attending a Sunday service in the new cathedral. There was something very romantic about the small group attending the traditional service within the enormous cavern of the old building. We were able to explore the inside as well with all of the  ancient Catholic iconography that is equally beautiful to the outside.

La Universidad

Salamanca is world renowned for it’s University. It has been there since 1134 and continues to serve students to this day. I was lucky enough to be one of those students, studying Spanish to improve my language skills. I got to study amidst it’s beautiful ancient buildings. The facade above in particular is well known. Tourists are encouraged to find the frog sitting on the skull amongst the numerous imagery depicted. It allegedly represented  sexual temptation and was meant to warn students not to be distracted from their studies by women or another theory is just that it gives you good luck on your test.  The old university library is also a good place to explore with numerous globes, books and pretty architecture.

Convento De Los Dueñas

This still operating convent has a elegant courtyard and views of the cathedral. The architecture is really unique with what seem to be moroccan inflluences on it’s mosaic arches and Roman influences in the tormented faces carved into the top of the numerous columns.  There is also a small museum section that you can tour that explains the convent’s history and  displays religious artifacts. But my absolute favorite part has to be these dry, almond flavored, powdered sugar covered cookies they sell there. They are made by and support the nuns who live there. Not only did I buy some when I toured, but I went back several more times to get more and to bring some home, so yummy.

Huerto De Calixto & Melibea

I apologize in advance as my photo does not do this Garden justice. I continue to work on my photography skills. It has attractive  greenery as one would expect in a garden as well as attractive architectural features such as arches, walls and a well that add to it’s beauty. It is located above the city walls which gives it some lovely glimpses of the city.  I additionally went back at sundown at which time it was a really romantic scene with sunset views.

El Puente Romano y el Rio Tormes

The ancient Roman bridge and the pathways along the Tormes River are a beautiful place to have a stroll. We enjoyed exploring along it’s path and it appeared to be a popular place to walk your dog. You will get a chance to see and or photograph attractive views of the city, the Cathedral and the river itself along this stroll.

Salamanca Beautiful Places Runner Ups

• Casa Lis: the Art Nouvau museum has a pretty exterior  round the back and interior artifacts
• Casa de las Conchas: 15th century building known for it’s exterior covered in scallops
• Casa de los Muertes: 16th century building known for the skulls on it’s exterior

Loving the cities in Spain? Click for our post about Segovia Here.