In this post, you’ll find all the info you need about the top 10 places to visit during a one-day trip to Salamanca, Spain — perfect to help you make the most of your visit to this stunning city.
This was the itinerary of one of the trips I took when I received a scholarship for a Spanish language exchange in Valladolid..
We arrived in the morning and did a full guided tour through the historic center of Salamanca — and let me tell you, it’s absolutely jaw-dropping!
Below, I’ll tell you a bit about each place. And if you like what you read and haven’t planned your trip to Spain yet, you might want to add Salamanca to your bucket list. bucket list.
Contents
Salamanca, the Golden City
Also known as the “Golden City,” Salamanca has nearly three millennia of history and holds many architectural and historical treasures.
No wonder it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and a European Capital of Culture in 2002.
Plaza Mayor de Salamanca
With over 4,400 square meters, its size and beauty are impressive. There’s no way to visit Salamanca without passing through Spain’s most beautiful Plaza Mayor. Plaza Mayor mais bonita da Espanha.
Built in 1755, it is considered one of the best examples of 18th-century Baroque architecture.
Its structure includes 88 arches, 57 sculpted medallions featuring prominent Spanish figures, and 11 entrances (9 doors and 2 passages) that lead to the city’s main landmarks.
This is where our tour began!
To start things off, we had a pincho at Mesón Cervantes, a cozy bar “hidden” up a staircase in the Pavilion of the Kings. The medieval-style decor made it even more special — I loved it!
Salamanca Central Market
Essa parada é a mais indicada para quem quer levar para casa alimentos frescos locais e os famosos embutidos da região.
It’s located right next to the Plaza Mayor, but I recommend going there at the end of the day so you’re not carrying heavy bags during your tour.
Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells)
Just a few steps from the Plaza, we came across the beautiful Casa de las Conchas. Like every corner of Salamanca, this place doesn’t disappoint.
Its façade features over 300 sculpted shells. Besides being beautiful and unique, I love one of the legends behind it (there are two versions).
One says the shells were placed in honor of the Order of Santiago, a tribute to the Camino de Compostela.
The second — and my favorite — says the shells represent a love poem. Each shell symbolizes Don Rodrigo’s love for his wife.
Today, the Casa de las Conchas serves as the city’s public library.
University of Salamanca
Founded in 1218, the University of Salamanca is the oldest in Spain. With over 800 years of history, it's part of the original group of European universities, along with Paris, Oxford, and Bologna.
We chose not to go inside the historic building, whose main attraction is — believe it or not — a frog carved among the façade’s ornaments! Legend says students who spot it will pass their exams and have a good academic year (asking for help doesn’t count, haha!).
Escolas Menores
Right in front of the university’s main façade, you’ll find the charming courtyard of the Escuelas Menores. Inside one of the rooms is Francisco Gallego’s artwork El Cielo de Salamanca, which illustrates astronomical and astrological themes. It was one of my favorite parts of the tour!
Unfortunately, photos are not allowed.
Unamuno House Museum
Opened in 1953, the Unamuno House Museum was created to preserve the life and works of Spanish writer, philosopher, and poet Miguel de Unamuno y Jugo.
The building, owned by the University of Salamanca, is where Unamuno lived with his family during his years as rector (1900 to 1914).
Today, the museum is an important research center for Unamuno’s life and legacy.
The house still contains its original furniture, personal belongings, paintings, and photographs — it truly feels like a time capsule.
Salamanca Cathedrals
Yes, cathedrals — plural! Salamanca is one of the few Spanish cities where the Old and New Cathedrals stand side by side, as if they were one.
The Old Cathedral, Romanesque in style, began construction in 1509.
But as Salamanca’s population grew (thanks to the university), it became too small, so construction on the New Cathedral began in 1513.
Because it took over 200 years to complete, the New Cathedral features a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. It’s the city’s largest monument.
One thing that caught my eye was the sculpture of an astronaut and a dragon eating ice cream on the cathedral’s façade. Quite the mystery, right? This sparked many theories, but the truth is: in 1922, architect Jerónimo Garcia de Quiñones restored the building and followed a tradition of including modern elements during restorations.
A verdade é que em 1922 após passar por um restauro, o arquiteto Jerónimo Garcia de Quiñones nada mais que manteve uma tradição, na qual os restauradores costumam incluir algum elemento moderno a cada novo trabalho de restauração.
Huerto de Calixto y Melibea
This 2,500 m² romantic garden was the setting for Fernando Rojas’ novel La Celestina.La Celestina“
It’s a lovely and peaceful place with beautiful views of the cathedral and the city. I kept imagining how stunning it must be in spring, when everything is in bloom.
Marqués de Villena Tower
This medieval tower is located over the remains of the old city wall, next to the Cave of Salamanca.
Despite the name, it never belonged to the Marquess of Villena. According to legend, he was the student who tricked the devil and lost his shadow.
I didn’t climb the many stairs to the top, but you can — and enjoy a different view of the city.
Casa Lis
As an architect, I couldn’t help but admire the unique Casa Lis. Since 1995, it has housed the Art Nouveau and Art Déco Museum of Salamanca.
Built over the city walls, the building combines industrial and modernist features. Its south façade — made of iron and glass — is especially striking. You simply can’t miss it.
The museum hosts a permanent collection and various temporary exhibits throughout the year.
Highlights include a collection of 19th-century French porcelain dolls and chryselephantine sculptures (typical of Art Déco, made of metal and ivory). Art Dèco feitas com metal e marfim).
Roman Bridge
This pedestrian-only monument has been part of the city’s history since Roman times. It was once part of the Silver Route (Vía de la Plata) for many years. Hannibal, Lazarillo, and French troops all crossed this bridge. Of its 26 arches, 15 are original.
At the entrance stands a prehistoric bull statue — one of the most famous in the city.
This was the final stop on our guided tour.
To wrap up our day in Salamanca and escape the biting winter cold, we stopped at The Molly’s Cross — a super stylish and cozy Irish pub that brews its own craft beer.
Back at Plaza Mayor, our meeting point, we enjoyed a festive Christmas light show and said goodbye to the Golden City. Check out the video below!
Thinking of renting a car while traveling? You might also like this post: Car Rental in Europe: Everything You Need to Know
English 
Portuguese
Pingback: Intercâmbio de espanhol - Fundación Lengua - Valladolid, Espanha