Showing 1-17 of 17 results
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Casa de las Conchas
The Casa de las Conchas is one of the city's most endearing buildings and named after the scallop shells clinging to its façade. Its owner, Dr Rodrigo Maldonado de Talavera, was a doctor at the court of Isabel and a member of the Order of Santiago, whose symbol is the shell. It now houses the public library, entered via a charming bi-level courtyard.
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Catedral Nueva & Catedral Vieja
The tower of the late-Gothic Catedral Nueva lords over the centre of Salamanca, its compelling churrigueresque dome visible from almost every angle. It is, however, the magnificent Renaissance doorways, particularly the Puerta del Nacimiento on the western face, that stand out as one of several miracles worked in the city's sandstone façades.
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Colegio del Arzobispo Fonseca
Crossing the tranquil Campo de San Francisco brings you to the 16th-century Colegio del Arzobispo Fonseca, a sober Plateresque structure notable for its fine entrance, pleasing courtyard and antique clock collection.
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Convento de las Dueñas
The Dominican Convento de las Dueñas is home to what is easily the city's most beautiful cloister.
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Convento de las Úrsulas
The Convento de las Úrsulas, a late-Gothic nunnery, was founded by Archbishop Alonso de Fonseca in 1512 and is now home to his magnificent marble tomb, sculpted by Diego de Siloé. It's closed on the last Sunday of each month. There's also a Spanish twist: the nuns rent out part of the space to a nightclub called Camelot.
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Convento de San Esteban
Standing proudly in the southeastern corner of the old city, the Convento de San Esteban's church has an extraordinary altar-like façade with the stoning of San Esteban (St Stephen) as its central motif. Inside is a well-presented museum dedicated to the Dominicans and their missionary work in the Americas. The splendid Gothic-Renaissance cloister, in particular, has strategically placed mirrors which enable you to fully appreciate the fine ceiling.
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Convento de Santa Clara
This much-modified convent started life as a Romanesque structure and you can climb up some stairs to inspect at close quarters the 14th- and 15th-century artesonado (Mudéjar ceiling).
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Iglesia de San Martín
Just off the Plaza Mayor, the pretty 12th-century Romanesque Iglesia de San Martín lies wedged among a huddle of houses.
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Museo de Art Nouveau y Art Decó
A gallery devoted to both styles in a Modernista (Catalan Art Nouveau) house.
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Museo de la Universidad
The main attractions of the Museo de la Universidad are the ceiling fresco of the zodiac and two techumbres (roofs): one clearly Mudéjar and the other with Italian Renaissance influences. Entry is free if you're visiting the university.
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Museo de Salamanca
Housed in the former residence of Queen Isabel's doctor, it's more interesting for the picture of tranquil Salamanca residential life offered by the attractive patios than for the paintings and sculptures within.
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Museo Taurino
Museo Taurino, just north of Plaza Mayor, is packed with bullfighting memorabilia.
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Palacio de Monterrey
Off the southwestern corner of Plaza Mayor, take Calle del Prior which leads to the Palacio de Monterrey, a 16th-century holiday home of the Duques de Alba and a seminal piece of Spanish Renaissance architecture; it's not open to the public but the façade is superb.
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Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is the centrepiece of monumental Salamanca and the modern city's beating heart. Built between 1729 and 1755, Salamanca's exceptional grand square is widely considered Spain's most beautiful central plaza, particularly at night when illuminated to magical effect. Designed by Alberto Churriguera, it's a remarkably harmonious and controlled baroque display.
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Torre del Clavero
A 15th-century octagonal fortress with an unusual square base and smaller cylindrical towers.
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Universidad Civil
The visual feast of the entrance façade to Salamanca's university is stunning. Founded initially as the Estudio Generál in 1218, the university came into being in 1254 and reached the peak of its renown in the 15th and 16th centuries. The façade, more a tapestry in sandstone, bursts with images of mythical heroes, religious scenes and coats of arms. It's dominated in the centre by busts of Fernando and Isabel.
Showing 1-17 of 17 results
