Salamanca

Salamanca
Salamanca is a university town in the heart of Spain, not far from Madrid.

Besides two universities, the city has two cathedrals and a grand Plaza Mayor. The last was constructed in baroque style during the 18th century. The entrances to the Plaza are formed by impressive arches.

The Mansion Casa de las Conchas is another landmark of Salamanca. This 15th century house is decorated on the outside with 350 shells, as a symbol of the order of Saint James (where the owner was a member).

Year Decision Comments
1988 Inscribed Reasons for inscription
1987DeferredUntil after comparative studies of University towns of Middle ages + Renaissance



Visit Summer 1989

I stayed for 4 weeks in Salamanca, and like most people I did a Spanish course there. Classes were in the evening (16.30-20.30), so you had all day off.

Most remarkable though were the (long) evenings and nights: late night dinner around 11 pm, and the rest of the night on the fabulous Plaza Mayor.

Reviews

Philip T.K. (Canada):
Salamanca is most famous for its university, but it was its two cathedrals that impressed me the most. The interior of both, filled with tombs of old clergy and paintings, is nothing too special, but I would recommend the Ieronimus exhibition whose entrance is located at the side of the cathedral. It costs extra but is worth every penny. It allows you to go on top of the cathedrals and gives spectacular views of both the city and the cathedrals.

My father and I visited this WHS on our last day in Spain. In addition to the university and cathedrals, we also stopped by the Roman bridge (nothing spectacular) and visited the church of San Esteban with its beautiful cloisters. A cursory look at the Plaza Mayor was also made. We had not originally planned to go to Salamanca, but we are glad we did. It would have been a tragedy to skip this place for a day of relaxation in Madrid.
 
Gregg Hames (England):
In 2000/2001 I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to study at La Universidad de Salamanca. Still to this date, nearly 3 years later it remains in the forefront of my mind. Salamanca is such a wonderful, magical city that you can just close your eyes and that's where you want to be. It still feel like home. The University is very prestigious and offers great courses, the people are so warm and friendly and the town itslef is just breathtaking. What more can a student want? The real question is not why should I go?, it's How can I possibly leave? Every day I still ask myself why I left after a year. I would go back in a heartbeat, and so would all of you if you could just visit the wonderful city known as Salamanca.
 
Susan (USA):
HEY! this is the first site that has people's feedback on Salamanca. I loved it and i want to go back so bad. I have such wonderful memories there when i studied abroad there this summer.
 
Laurie (United States):
I am responding to the question about Salamanca. In 1986, I spent my Spring semester of college attending the University of Salamanca. It was the best experience that I have ever had. I consider this town my home away from home. It has been many years since I have returned to Salamanca, but I always have such warm thoughts in my heart - the people, "my family", the wonderful old streets, and the Plaza Mayor. For anyone who is considering studying Spanish in another country, this would be the best place to choose. Not only does it have the oldest university in Spain, but the culture is so rich in it's town. It is something that I would do over again and again. Now that I am married and have children, I am looking forward to the day that they are old enough to visit the place that has stollen a piece of my heart.
 


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