Living in Salamanca: 5 routes through the city

Salamanca is known as the golden city, thanks to the beautiful golden colour that its buildings acquire with the light of the sunset, because when the evening falls, walking around Salamanca becomes a magical experience. Living in Salamanca is worthwhile, and there is a reason why the city was declared a World Heritage Site, with various structures and buildings worthy of contemplating and admiring their beauty, such as the Cathedral, the University and strolling through the Plaza Mayor.

Salamanca is the European capital of culture, as it is an important Renaissance city, preserving in its historic centre monuments and buildings from different periods through which the city has passed.

Take a free tour

There is no doubt that free tours are a perfect way to have a first contact with the city when visiting it, as they provide a wonderful introduction to the history and important monuments of the city.

Therefore, the recommendation if you are living in Salamanca will always be to opt for a free tour if you have the time, the guide is great fun and well worth it.

Visit the Cathedral

Salamanca boasts of having two cathedrals, because they started the construction of the new cathedral in the 16th century. Leaving the old cathedral aside thinking that at some point they would demolish it to enlarge the new one, but this never happened. That is why the Old Cathedral is preserved and conserves its Romanesque style as it was. Without later additions, making it one of the few cathedrals that maintains its faithful origin.

• Old Cathedral: Dedicated to Santa María de la Sede, it was built during the 12th and 13th centuries. It has a cloister with several chapels where students used to spend their nights to prepare for exams. The paintings of the murals of San Martin are very well preserved.
• New Cathedral: It is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, mixing Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance styles.

Today, the cathedral complex is one of the most important in Europe. It is the largest and highest building in Salamanca, so it can be seen from any point of the city. And it is one of the most important elements of the capital.

Enter the famous University

The University was founded in 1218, and is one of the first universities in Europe. Becoming one of the most important monuments of Spanish Renaissance art. Best of all, its plateresque façade is a must-see, as it is incredibly detailed.

This type of art stands out because the stone is carved as if it were silver. On the façade is the famous frog of the University of Salamanca, being impossible for many to get it at the first opportunity.

Inside the University there are several places to visit, such as the Escuela de Mayores, the Casa-Museo de Miguel de Unamuno and the sky of Salamanca.

Take a break in the Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor was built in the 18th century when the city was already built. Which means that they had to negotiate with the owners of the surrounding houses to make the façade the same on all four sides.

It is rectangular in shape and all arcaded, the most characteristic feature being the clock façade, crowned by four sculptures dedicated to the classical goddesses.

This square is the centre of life in Salamanca, similar to the Plaza Mayor in Madrid, due to the fact that it was designed by an architect from Madrid. It is one of the largest and most charming squares in Spain, an example of Baroque architecture in the country.

Cross the Roman Bridge

The last place not to be missed when living in Salamanca is the Puente Romano (Roman Bridge), as this is the ancient entrance to the city. It was built in the 1st century as part of the Vía de la Plata that linked Mérida with Zaragoza and Astorga.

To cross this bridge is to relive centuries of history, as only the first arches are completely original, the others having been restored over time.

This bridge is perfect to enjoy the magical sunset that Salamanca offers, due to the breathtaking views of the old town.