The city of Salamanca was founded by the Celtic tribe in the pre-roman times of the Spanish history. During the Punic War the city has been attacked by the troops of Hannibal. Later Salamanca became the part of the wide Roman world.
It was very important city of antiquity. According to the witness of Roman historian Polybius, Salamanca laid on the so called “Silver way” which connected the Mediterranean and the Spain.
But most of its glory Salamanca gained in the medieval times when the city got the name – “Golden city” because of its treasures and magnificent architecture.
In the beginning of the 8 century Salamanca has been conquered by the Moors. After the few centuries Christians re-gained control over the city. Most prominent event in the city’s history occurred in the 1200 when the king Alfonso Tenth founded in the city University, third in the Europe. Soon after the University of Salamanca became well known across the Europe and Pope Alexander Fourth even called it as the “luminary of the Christian world”.
The University of Salamanca related with the most prominent names in the Spanish literature. For example, with name of Cervantes who lived in Salamanca and studied at the University. We can even say that the Spanish literature was born at this city.
Current building of the University originates from the 1433. In the 1529 Antonio Nebriha adorned façade of the University in the style of “plateresko”. This style got its name from the Spanish word “plato” (silver) and epitomizes the Spanish Renaissance in the architecture.
The complex of the University in Salamanca includes a few colleges, hospital and the library which consists from more than 160000 of medieval books and adorned by the magnificent frieze “Heaven of Salamanca”.
The University in Salamanca also includes famous palace of the “Palacio Anaya” and the house of the Casa de las Conchas which is the one of the symbols of the city. The walls of this house adorned by the sinks carved from the stone. And this is why this house got its name because the “Conchas” from the Spanish could be translated as the sink. Opposite of this building you will find the abbey of the La-Clersia which has been built in the 17 century.
After the walk through the University complex and the its surroundings it’s time to visit the central square of the Salamanca – the Placa Mayor. This square originates from the middle of the 18 century and reckoned as the one of the most beautiful in the Spain.
Nearby there are a lot of monuments among which stand out the Old and New Cathedrals.
The Old Cathedral of Salamanca has been built in the 12 century. To get inside it’s possible only from the New Cathedral which originates from the 16 century. Today the Old and New Cathedral is the one complex and for those who do not know that these different buildings, it’s very hard to secede one from another.
Among the treasures of the New Cathedral there is legendary cross which had been used by the El Cid when he fought with Moors. Also about the times of Reconquista in Salamanca reminds the castle of Clavero which originates from the 15 century.
And yet the Salamanca more famous for its beautiful palaces and churches. For example, the palace of Salina which dates from the 16 century. This palace is one of the most prominent palaces of Renaissance in the Spain.
It’s worth mentioning about the narrow streets of Salamanca which give special charm to the city. It’s the places where blended the history and modernity. You can wonder these streets endlessly and every time discover something new about this magnificent city in Spain.
