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Salamanca: What to visit?
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Often nicknamed "La Dorada" because of the golden hue that many of its buildings take on in the sunlight, Salamanca is undoubtedly one of Spain's most beautiful and vibrant cities. If you're wondering about Salamanca and what to visit, we've got you covered. Situated in the northwest of the country, it is a place rich in culture and its university, one of the oldest in Europe, is one of the world's most renowned.
Visiting Salamanca is a must, especially if you want to get to know a great city and don't want to travel too far. But what is there to see there and what can't you miss? Lots of things, but don't worry, in this article we're going to show you everything. Before you start, just make your usual stop at a Guerin station, rent a car in Portugal and head off on another adventure with us.
Plaza Mayor
We know that every Spanish city has a Plaza Mayor, but Salamanca's is a must-see. Built between 1729 and 1755, this fantastic example of Baroque architecture is the social heart of the city. Here you'll find several cafés and restaurants that are visited daily by locals and tourists from all over the world. Start your visit here.
Salamanca Cathedrals
Salamanca has not one, but two cathedrals. And the best thing is that you can visit them almost simultaneously, as the two are interconnected. The Old Cathedral, the oldest, is in the Romanesque-Gothic style and has an incredible panoramic view of the city from its tower. The more recent New Cathedral, in Gothic-Renaissance style, stands out for its Plateresque* façade full of beautifully crafted sculptures.
Connecting the two is the famous "Arco de Anaya". A real gateway between eras that you don't want to miss.
*Plateresque: Plateresque is an architectural style unique to the Spanish Renaissance of the 15th and 16th centuries. The name comes from "platero", which means "goldsmith" in Castilian, due to the detailed and meticulous ornamentation reminiscent of the work of goldsmiths.
University of Salamanca
I'm sure you've realized that there's a lot to visit in Salamanca. One of the must-sees is undoubtedly the city's university. This is not only an architectural monument, but also an internationally renowned teaching and research center.
Like the New Cathedral, it also has an impressive Plateresque façade. When you're there, be sure to look for the famous sculpted frog, which is said to bring good luck to whoever finds it.
Casa de las Conchas
The Casa de las Conchas is a building that leaves no one indifferent. An outstanding example of civil Gothic architecture, this 15th century house is decorated with more than 300 scallop shells on its walls. If you love history and architecture, you have to visit this place.
Roman Bridge
Salamanca was founded by the Romans, so don't be surprised if we include the city's Roman bridge on your list of what to visit. Located over the River Tormes, this 1st-century bridge offers everyone who passes by a spectacular view of the city.
This is the perfect place to watch the sunset over La Dorada. Enjoy!
San Esteban Convent
The Convent of San Esteban is not just a magnificent Dominican monastery. After all, it is said that it was here that Christopher Columbus discussed his plans to discover the route to India from the west with the professors of the University of Salamanca.
An example of religious architecture, when you look at its façades you'll be dazzled by all the beauty of the Spanish Baroque style.
Casa Lis
For art lovers looking to learn more about the city's artistic culture, we recommend a visit to Casa Lis. This house, which is also an Art Nouveau and Art Deco museum, has an admirable collection of decorative art objects.
What's more, the architecture of the building itself is charming. If you're a fan of crafted glass, this is a place you should visit during your trip.
Our list of what to visit in Salamanca is coming to an end, but first we have to talk about one more must-see place. A very special garden.
Huerto de Calixto y Melibea
Every city has a special garden. In Salamanca, that place is the Huerto de Calixto y Malibela. Associated with the famous Spanish novel "La Celestina", this garden is a historic place, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the lovely views over the River Tormes.
It's very easy to find, as it's next to the old city wall.
Salamanca gets even closer with Guerin.
Now that you know what to visit in Salamanca, the next step is to choose the Guerin model you're going to take on this trip. To book it, you can use our website or one of the many stations throughout the country.
In addition to the various models we have at your disposal, with Guerin you can also add some complementary services to make your experience more comfortable. You can select an Additional Driver if you want someone else to drive the car, or you can have Premium Road Assistance to protect you in case you have any unforeseen circumstances during your trip.
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