Lying on Spain's Northern Plateau Salamanca forms part of the Duero river system where Paleozonic soils, poorly suited for cultivation, have resulted in a landscape of pastures, dotted with trees and bushy undergrowth. Salamanca is 212 km west of Madrid. The city of Salamanca is large enough to be able to offer the advantages of a real city, but at the same time it keeps the intimacy of a village.
In Salamanca the inhabitants speak the "purest" Spanish in Spain - Castilian. For this reason Salamanca is enormously popular with people all over the world who want to learn Spanish. You don't have to make rendezvous here as you are bound to see everyone in the Plaza Mayor, one of the finest squares in Spain and known as the living room of the Salamantinos. Salamanca is a real university city, Spanish students are everywhere and you can go practically everywhere on foot.
The charming city of Salamanca is untouched in its architectural purity. In central areas all recent buildings are constructed in Salamanca's best tradition. The city has been declared "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO. Salamanca is one of those places which, although not large in extension, impress any of its visitors. All the buildings in the center of town, even the new ones, are made of the stone from Villamayor, which contains a high concentration of iron making possible very filigree works, and its characteristic golden color gives strong personality to the entire city.
When in Salamanca you won't have to waste a second to figure out what to do. There are tones of attractions to your disposal. Old and New Cathedrals are right next to each other. The older is Romanesque, begun in 1140 and the new one is a sprightly 490 years old, having been started in 1513 and taking 200 years to complete.
There's nothing better in Salamanca than to stroll around the University quarter. It's the oldest in Spain and chock full of interesting architecture and arcades.
The Plaza Mayor is so clean that you'll see students sitting and playing chess in the center, while all around people eat, drink and make merry after the sun goes down. Lots of student performances in the evening here keep you circulating.
Casa de las Conchas - the house of the conch shells is now the Public Library where you can wander around. Dating from the 15th century it was considered one of the most representative constructions of the times of the Catholic King and Queen. Near the cathedral along the Gran Via you can visit several monasteries, including the Convento y Museo de las Duenas, a 16th century building with cloister.
There are 15 Museums in Salamanca, where you can see exhibits ranging from Art Deco to Fine Arts to religion. But mostly, this is a fine walking town, from the Roman Bridge over the river to the Plaza Mayor, which may likely be the most compelling in Spain. Salamanca is really a very attractive place to visit if you are looking for cultural values, want to enjoy night life and learn a bit of Spanish.
The choice is yours: choose from many flights to Salamanca and discover this wonderful place for yourself!