Plaza
Mayor
 The
Plaza Mayor in Salamanca is considered one of the most marvelous
and beautiful Plazas in all of Spain. This is the focal point,
the heart of the city where everyone meets their friends under
the reloj (clock tower) before they go out to the discos or bars.
During the beautiful evenings the plaza is teaming with families,
students, and travelers basking in the late day sun at one of
the several outdoor cafes, or sitting in small groups scattered
around the middle of the plaza floor.
Built
in the 18th century, in the Baroque style this monumental plaza
is perfect in its unity of style and grandeur of design. Porticoes
formed by rounded arches are supported by solid columns that uniformly
surround the plaza. Above them rise three-story mansions with
austere iron balconies.
Casa de las Conchas
 This
famous Salamanca landmark is decorated with over 300 sand stone
shells The windows on the ground floor are protected by exquisite
bars, which have been referred to as "the most beautiful
of Gothic Spanish ironwork." Within this 15th century house
Gothic, Moorish, and Italian influences blend together beautifully.
The patio is one of the most typical of Spanish cloisters. The
staircase, covered by a coffered ceiling is of Italian influence.
Today the Casa de las Conchas serves as a public library and it
also houses the Provincial tourist office. The top floor is frequently
used as a gallery for local and international artists.
Patio de las Escuelas Menores
 Just
off to the side of the Patio de Escuelas the buildings - begun
in 1428 - were constructed for the secondary school students.
The little Plateresque facade (1533) is similar to its more famous
University counterpart. Through a passage, you find yourself in
an attractive single story baroque patio with angled archways
and balustrades, designed by J. García de Quiñones.
The rooms off the patio include the University Museum, which houses
the "Salamanca Heaven", a section of the University
Library ceiling.
University
 Again
one of the most impressive sights to behold in Salamanca is that
of the University and its façade. It is one of the most
representative monuments of the Spanish Plateresque style. The
interior of the University is equally impressive with beautifully
constructed staircases, library, and chapel. Visit the classroom
of Fray Luis de Leon where he gave his most famous lectures.
Cathedral Vieja y Nueva
 Work
on the magnificent Cathedral began in 1497 since the Old Cathedral
was proving too small for a growing city like Salamanca. Not completed
until 1733, which explains its mixture of styles, it passed through
the capable hands of architects Joaquín de Churriguera,
Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón and Juan de Álava.
Along with Segovia, it represents one of the most beautiful examples
of late Gothic architecture in Spain, with the outstanding iconography
of its sculpted doorways, grandeur in height and luxuriant ornamentation,
as well as rich and elegant interior. Next-door is the Old Cathedral,
which predominantly was sculpted from Roman influences.
Convento de San Esteban
It
is one of the most important buildings in the city, not just because
of its excellent preservation but also because a number of its
theologians have become important within the University. Building
commenced in 1524 on top of Romanesque ruins, and it was completed
around 1610. It includes the church, the side door, the connected
ministerial buildings and three cloisters. The building as a whole
encapsulates a mixture of styles from Gothic to Plateresque, right
up to Baroque.
Puente Romano
 The
Roman Bridge, considered to be a product of the roman Emperor
Vespasiano, was an essential part of the Roman Silver Route, which
ran from the silver mines in the North from Merida and Astorga.
The bridge's hulking mass spans the Rio Tormes and is shadowed
by the towering new cathedral making it an impressive sight.
Colegio Mayor
 The
Colegio Mayor is a great place to hang out and rub elbows with
the local Spanish students. Once inside the massive doors hang
a right and go down the winding stairs where they will lead you
to a small underground café. Take a friend or your inter-cambio
for a cup of coffee and soak up the atmosphere.
Colegio
Fonseca
If
you are looking for a place to study or relax outside of the norm,
this quiet old palace will most definitely make you feel like
a king. Named after the Archbishop Fonseca and later after the
Irish, this college unites the most select of the Plateresque
architecture. It was built in 1527 and the most interesting aspects
of the building are its facade and graceful patio. Stop in for
a quick drink or tapas in the cafeteria and then make yourself
at home in the lounge's palatial surroundings. |
