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Top 10 Best Things to do in Salamanca, Spain

Salamanca is made up of a vibrant youthful community from various nationalities thanks to Salamanca University. It features many open squares that are home to restaurants, bars, boutiques, and cafes.

You will also find a sandstone cathedral, monuments, and museums dating back to the 13th century. The City is a UNESCO World Heritage site that gives you more than you expected.

Its historic monuments that have been there since the middle ages take you back in time. There is more to discover in this Spanish city by just walking down its cobbled streets.

This celebrated city is a mix of both the old and the new. Each coexisting well with the other. You will have plenty of things to do in this city when visiting. Here are the 10 best things to do.

1. Take a tour of the Old Cathedral

The city of Salamanca has two cathedrals attached. The oldest one having been established between the 12^th and 13^th centuries.

This Cathedral has a captivating mix of both Romanesque and gothic styles that tells the time it was built. The outside is beautiful ad breath-taking.

A walk inside the cathedral will introduce you to a 15th-century altarpiece, more than 53 painted panels showcasing the life of the Virgin Mary and Jesus.

A look at the chapel, one will find tombs of medieval bishops and other nobility.

The chapels within the cathedral contain the solemn tombs of medieval bishops and nobility.

2. Check out Cathedral Nueva

By Jentges – Wikimedia

This Cathedral, just like the old one overlooks the town from a high location. Unlike the old cathedral, this new one is more massive and features a more gothic style on it.

It was first built in the 16^th century by Juan Gil de Hontanon and completed by Alberto de Churriguerrs. It took more than two centuries to complete and it features a mix of Baroque, Plateresque and Gothic architecture.

The Plateresque features can be seen on the doorways especially the west doorway and the north doorway. They feature a relief of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem.

If you check out the Baroque choir, you will see an image of Virgen de Loreto and sculptures were created by Churriguera.

3. Plaza Mayor

This is a beautiful public square right at the heart of Salamanca. It is considered one of the most impressive plazas in Spain. The square is lined with an arcade of three-story buildings of similar architectural style.

These buildings were built in 1729 from the architectural designs of Alberto de Churriguera, they were completed in 1755.

One of the most outstanding monuments at the plaza is the Pabellón Real (Royal Pavilion) by Alberto de Churriguera and the Churriguera-style Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) by Andrés García de Quiñones.

The square was used for ceremonies and bullfighting in for two centuries.  The square comes to life in the evening from the cafés and restaurants found in the arcade.

This Plaza has been declared a national monument. Don’t miss it during your visit.

4. Salamanca University Historic Buildings

University of Salamanca By Victoria Rachitzky, – Wikimedia

Salamanca University is one of the oldest structures in the city. It is found in the historic town centre and was established between 1425 and 1433.

Its old buildings are said to be one of the most beautiful universities in the world. It is because of its crafted façade.

The carvings on them are an excellent example of the plateresque style, these were added in 1592 by the Catholic kings. The most sought-after intricate carving on the buildings is the ‘frog on a skull’.

This university has remained to be one of the most important learning institutions in Europe as it was in the middle ages.

5. Casa de las Conchas

The historical Casa da las Conchas was built by Rodrigo Arias de Maldonado. He was a knight of the Order of Santiago de Compostela, he completed the construction in 1517.

Looking at the building, you will understand why its façade is considered curious. It is decorated with many shells that attract many curious visitors.

The building showcases both gothic and renaissance elements. Explore the courtyard that was recently renovated. You will find carvings of scallop shells that depict the medieval pilgrim’s transport system.

This place was once a palace where Maldonado lived in the 16^th century. It has since been turned into a public library and an information office.

6. Tour the Old-town

While in Salamanca, be sure to check out the Old town. The streets here feature centuries-old stone streets of the Casco Historico. The building’s styles are in renaissance, gothic, baroque and Moorish-style. They are well maintained they look new.

The Old town has more than 20 palaces that go back to the Spanish Golden Age and are open to the public. There is a tourist train that you can catch at Plaza de Anaya, it is more fun for the young ones.

You will have a great time walking through the numerous landmarks that tell the history of Salamanca.

7. Visit the 17th-Century Baroque Church

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Right opposite the Casa de las Conchas is the Clerecía, a 17th-century Baroque masterpiece of architecture.

It is a large domed church featuring an imposing twin-towered fascia by Quiñones. This is a magnificent Churrigueresque high altar, with three-floored cloister in ornate Baroque style.

The church was commissioned by Queen Margarita of Austria and designed by Juan Gomez de Mora. It was meant to be both a church and a Jesuit ecclesiastic college.

This church was known as the Royal College of the Company of Jesus. there were classrooms and a monastery where monks lived. The Church is currently the headquarters of Salamanca Pontificia University.

If you plan to visit the Church, be there between Tuesday and Sunday when it is open to the public.

8. Join in Feria de Salamanca

This festival is celebrated during September as part of the Patron Saint Festivities. It honours the Virgen de la Vega.

They celebrate Virgin Mary whom they believe protected the city during the War of The Spanish Succession in 1706.

The day is marked with concerts, festivals, and several other shows. There is a traditional floral offering to the virgin that is done followed by a procession to the New Cathedral.

Experience this tradition through dancing, drinking, feasting, bullfighting, and parades. The festival starts on the 8^th and lasts for a week.

9. Check out the Roman Bridge

By Tamorlan – Wikimedia

Another interesting landmark to check out while in Salamanca is the Roman bridge. It is set above the Tormes River with several crossings and a pedestrian bridge.

The bridge was built in the first century during the reign of Emperor Domitian. It was further renovated to its current state in the 2^nd century. There are 26 arches under the bridge, 14 of which have never been hanged.

An Iberian sculpture of a boar can be found on the north side of the bridge. this was done in the 14^th century.

The art on the bridge was influenced by Celtic elements. From the bridge, you can have perfect views of the Old and the New Cathedral.

10. Send some time at the Nature Park Arribes del Duero

This tranquil nature park Arribes del Duero is found just outside of Salamanca. It sits on 106.5 hectares of land and forms a border between Spain and Portugal.

The park has one of the largest inland lakes in Europe, with steep mountains that is popular as a wine-growing region. This park is famous for its biodiversity and its watercourses. The watercourse on the mountains has snaked their way through the landscape.

Nature lovers will have a great time at Arribes del Duero as it has some of the most exceptional natural scenery in the country.