Salamanca: what to see, what to do and recommended itineraries

City of north-western Spain and capital of the province of the same name, Salamanca is a sunny and joyful city with a history that goes back to the Celtic period . Famous for its buildings built with sandstone and finely decorated, it has an ancient university and is therefore frequented by young people who come here to study and have fun.

Listed in the Unesco World Heritage Sites , this town has many attractions to offer and is the ideal place to spend a weekend. So here are the things to see in Salamanca , a guide to the best attractions and things to do!

13 things to see in Salamanca
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1 – Plaza Mayor
Heart of the city, Plaza Mayor is one of the most fascinating squares in Europe , recognizable by its 88 arches that surround it, each decorated with relief medallions of important kings, poets and politicians. Among the buildings present here are the Town Hall Clock Tower, the Iglesia de San Martin Cathedral and the Liceo Theater.

A place frequented by young people who sit here on the ground on its large tiles to sunbathe and chat, this square, designed by the architect Alberto Churriguera, was built between 1729 and 1756. Characterized by decorated sandstone, its shape appears square but in reality the sides are all of different lengths.

The best times to visit are sunrise and sunset , when a golden light is reflected on the red stone buildings, from which Salamanca has taken the nickname “Golden City”.
The heart of the historic center, 1.5 km from Salamanca central station (20 min walk). Alternatively, from station bus 1 to stop C / Gran Via 45, then 5 min on foot to the square – Get directions.

You can rent … a balcony!Plaza Mayor is the city’s drawing room, where bullfights are celebrated, processions, and in the past justice was also done here. For this reason, some homeowners rented their balconies to the spectators at quite high prices, to grant a privileged view to follow the event from above! For example, during the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Vega (first week of September) the square, like other places in the city, comes alive with sacred and profane events, concerts and processions.

2 – Mercato Centrale
Photo of Tyk. The most classic example of the Spanish city market, a few steps from Plaza Mayor, the Mercado Central is housed in a 20th century Art Nouveau building designed by architect Joaquin de Vargas Aguirre, the same one who designed Casa Lis.
It is abouta historic place frequented by the inhabitants of Salamanca , who come here to buy the freshest and best products such as meat, cheeses, ham and wine. However, there are also stalls that sell clothing and basic necessities. We recommend that you take a tour and then stop in one of the various tapas bars to enjoy some great tapas.

• How to get there: in the historic center, in Plaza del Mercado. It can be reached on foot from Plaza Mayor (130 m, 2 min). By public transport, Plaza Mercado stop of buses 3 and 4 – Get directions
• Hours: Mon-Sat 8: 00-14: 00, Mon also 16: 00-19: 00, Tue and Fri 16: 00-20: 00, Sun closed
• Ticket cost: free

3 – Palazzo de La Salina
Photo by Tamorlan. Current seat of the County Council, the Palacio de La Salina, also known as Palazzo dei Fonseca, dates back to 1538 and was a noble residence for many years , before becoming a salt deposit in the first half of the 19th century. Its origins are uncertain, but what is certain is that this building was erected on the foundations of an old Gothic house and to make the palace even more magnificent decorations were carried out in an Italian style .
The façade is very beautiful, but one of the strong points is certainly the courtyard with an internal arcade dominated by a gallery with balconies and framed windows . The interiors feature coffered ceilings and ornate wood paneling.

Curiosity : The name la salina, according to the legend, derives from the fact that the archbishop Alonso de Fonseca who went to the city for a diocesan meeting had brought with him his lover, Juana Pimentel “La Salina”. Because of the lady’s name, no noble family wanted to host them, so the bishop, very angry, had this magnificent palace built and named after her lover.

• How to get there: in the historic center, in Calle San Pablo 18. It can be reached on foot from Plaza Mayor (250 m, 3 min). By public transport, the nearest stop is Poeta Iglesias 17, bus 1-8-9 – Get directions
• Hours: Tue-Sun 11: 30-13: 30 and 18: 00-21: 00
• Ticket price: free, only the patio is accessible

4 – Casa de las Conchas
Photo of MARIA ROSA FERRE ✿.
This palace is the most famous in Salamanca , not only for its beauty, but also because it has a significant symbolic value. In Gothic style, it dates back to 1493 and was the home of Rodrigo Maldonado de Talavera, a Knight of the Order of Santiago.
The building is best known for its Plateresque style facade, decorated with more than 300 stone shells, which represented the main ornamental motif of the order of St. James of Santiago de Compostela. However, some believe that the presence of the shells is due to the love that Don Rodrigo felt for his wife Dona Maria. The main patio with Carrara marble columns, the modern library and the exhibition hall are also worth a visit.

Look for the gold coin behind the shells : according to the inhabitants of Salamanca, a gold coin is hidden behind one of the shells! While the basements of the building were the places where university students served the sentences imposed by the teacher.

• How to get there: in the historic center, in Calle de la Compania. It can be reached on foot from Plaza Mayor (350 m, 4 min). If you travel by public transport, bus lines 3 and 4 stop Pza .Mercado – Get directions
• Hours: Mon-Fri 9: 00-21: 00, Sat 9: 00-14: 00 and 16: 00-19: 00, Sun and holidays 10: 00-14: 00 and 16: 00-19: 00
• Ticket cost: free

5 – The Real Clerecia
Among the things not to be missed in Salamanca is this historic building, now the seat of the Pontifical University, dating back to the early 17th century and built by the will of Queen Margaret of Austria, wife of Philip III. La Clerecia was a church and a school of the ecclesiastical order of the Society of Jesus and was originally known as the Royal College of the Society of Jesus.
Built in Baroque style, it includes a public part where there are the school and the church , with a large three-storey cloister, and a private area with the religious quarters. The peculiarity of this building is given by the numerous galleries that connect various areasand they were used for walking and being outdoors since there was no garden.
Today the Pontifical University can only be visited with guided and organized tours , which also include the ascent to the bell tower.

• How to get there: in the historic center, in Calle de la Compania. It can be reached on foot from Plaza Mayor (290 m, 3 min). By public transport, bus lines 3 and 4 stop Pza .Mercado – Get directions
• Hours: only with guided tours
• Ticket cost: average cost € 10.00

6 – University of Salamanca

Pride of Salamanca for its historical and artistic importance , it was founded by the Lion King Alfonso IX and recognized as a university in the Carta Magna in 1254. Initially the seat of civil and canon law, it became for a period one of the most important in Europe .
Its external architecture fully shows all the virtues of the Plateresque style , with a facade rich in ornaments, of which the most beautiful part is that of the Eecuelas Mayores. The fresco painted on the ceiling of the University library is beautiful, which portrays the zodiac signs, constellations and planets. Thanks to the reflections of light coming from the large windows, the 12 signs of the zodiac seem to change color. Since the library is still used today, it is forbidden to take pictures and make noise.

Look for the fortune frog and the “blood writings” : here is a special lucky charm, a small frog, which should be on the front of the front door. This little animal symbolizes the passing of time and the fleetingness of pleasures. According to the legend, if a student wanted to pass the exams he first had to find the frog on the facade of the University, because “if you search without indication, it is a real mission”.
Also, near the university you will notice some typical writings painted on the facade of the university buildings. In ancient times, graduates, to celebrate the victory over books and the end of their studies, painted sentences with bull’s blood mixed with red earth and oil.

• How to get there: in the historic center, in Patio de Escuela. It can be reached on foot from Plaza Mayor (550 m, 7 min). The nearest stop is P. Rector Esperabe 29, where buses 4 and 8 pass – Get directions
• Hours: Mon-Sat 10: 00-19: 00, Sun and holidays closed
• Ticket cost: free

7 – New Cathedral
Also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Dell’Assedio, it is located next to the old one and was built in 1513, as the other was unable to accommodate all the faithful , increased by the presence of the University
Its imposing appearance, decorated in the Plateresque style with the addition of Gothic and Baroque styles , attracts millions of visitors every year. To admire the various chapels (Dorada, Todos los Santos and Nuestra Senora de la Soledad) but also the Baroque portals and bas-reliefs, in particular the one on the facade of the building which, according to some “rumors”, would even portray … an astronaut !

Look for the particular figures on the portal of the New Cathedral: most likely, when you have to enter the Cathedral you will always find someone intent on carefully scrutinizing the portal! This is because in the lower part of the door you will find some rather unusual figures, such as an astronaut, a monkey eating an ice cream and a stork! Let us know if you find them!

Climb the bell tower: during the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 the bell tower was seriously damaged and the bells could only be rung by climbing to the top. To commemorate this tradition, on October 31 of each year a character called the Marichelo, wearing the typical dress, climbs up to the bell tower and from there sings a typical Salamanca music, the Ciarrada. During your visit, we recommend that you go up to the bell tower and to the panoramic terrace, from which you can admire perhaps the most beautiful view of the historic center.

• How to get there: in the historic center, in Calle Benedicto XVI. It can be easily reached on foot from Plaza Mayor (550 m, 6 min). By public transport, the nearest stop is Avenida Villamayor (bus number 31) – Get directions
• Hours: from October to March every day 10: 00-18: 00, from April to September 10: 00-20: 00
• Ticket price: single ticket with the Old Cathedral, full € 6.00, reduced € 5.00

8 – Old Cathedral

An architectural masterpiece, even before being religious , the Old Cathedral shows all the signs of the passing of time, of the passage of the faithful, but without being kept in disastrous conditions, on the contrary. The medieval building was designed in a period of continual wars and its construction ended in 1180. Its very safe walls also made it an air-raid shelter during the Spanish Civil War and it seems that Franco also came to take refuge here.

Inside there are wonderful works, such as the prestigious fifteenth-century altarpiece by Nicolo Fiorentino, three important chapels (San Martin, which was also a warehouse of oil for the lamps of the cathedral, Santa Barbara and Santa Catalina), adorned with frescoes.

• How to get there: in the historic center, in Plaza Juan XXIII. It can be easily reached on foot from Plaza Mayor (550 m, 6 min). By public transport, the nearest stop is Avenida Villamayor (bus number 31) – Get directions
• Hours: October-March every day 10: 00-18: 00; April-September 10 am-8pm
• Ticket price: € 6.00 full price, € 5.00 reduced single ticket with the new cathedral; € 3.00 is added for the Jeronimus route

9 – Casa Lis and Art Nouveau Museum
Photo by muffinn. In the center of the city is this house-museum housed in an ancient palace, which was built for Miguel de Lis, owner of a tannery, in 1905. Since his business paid him a lot, Lis traveled a lot and on the occasion of these movements he had the opportunity to know the various artistic changes.
Today the house houses the Museum of Art Nouveau and Deco and exhibits about 2,500 works including crystals, porcelain dolls, statues, enamels, bronzes, paintings, jewels divided into 19 collections of decorative arts dated between the late ‘800 and early’ 900. The museum also has a large collection of Catalan paintings and local painters , such as Celso Lagar and Mateo Hernandez, butthe most famous piece is the Faberge egg , an egg-shaped jewel made by the Russian jeweler Peter Carl Faberge.
Siri twin photo. Stop in the café : we recommend having a coffee in the wonderful museum café. You will be completely surrounded by large stained glass windows, from which you can also admire the city! A place that is certainly very instragrammable and different from the usual cafes in museums.

• How to get there: in the historic center, in Gibraltar. It can be reached on foot from Plaza Mayor (750 m, 9 min). By public transport, the nearest stop is Plaza del Mercado Viejo, bus 4 and 8 – Get directions
• Hours: Tue-Sun 11: 00-14: 00 and 17: 00-20: 00
• Ticket price: full € 5.00, reduced € 3.00, Thu 11: 00-14: 00 free

10 – Roman Bridge
The Puente Mayor del Tormes, known as the Roman Bridge of Salamanca was built around the 1st century AD, at the time of the Emperor Trajan, with the aim of connecting the inner part of the city with the outside , divided by the river Tormes. It is part of the Via dell’Argento, a road that connected Merida and Astorga.
176 m long and 3.70 m wide, it is made up of 26 round arches and sturdy pillars and is protected by a statue of a pre-Roman bull , which is also described in the famous book Lazarillo del Tormes. Famous people who crossed this bridge include Hannibal, Lazarillo and the French troops.
It is located in Puente de Sanchez Fabres near the Art Nouveau y Art Deco Museum. It can be reached from Plaza Mayor on foot (1 km, 15 min), or by bus n.8 stop C. San Gregorio – Get directions.

Visit it at sunset : it is one of the most beautiful places to admire the sunset, so we suggest you arrive here at sunset to admire it in all its splendor, while in the distance the sun goes down behind the horizon and tinges the sky red. above Salamanca. You can take wonderful photos.

11 – Huerto de Calixto y Melibea
Photo by Emilio J. Rodriguez Posada. This beautiful garden is located near the center of Salamanca, on the ancient city walls and at the foot of the Tormes River, and owes its name to the protagonists of “Celestina”, one of the most famous works of Spanish literature, written by Fernando De Rojas in 1299.
Inside this 2,500 square meter garden , citizens spend hours of relaxation and tranquility and it is possible admire the small monument dedicated to Celestina , the woman accused in the novel of being a witch. In fact, on the base you can read the sentence: “I am an old woman, as God made me, no worse than others. Good or bad I live, and God is a witness of my heart”. In addition to the statue at the entrance, in the Garden of Calisto and Melibea there is a fountain, a well, a pergola and numerous plants and trees that give this place an air of peace, tranquility and romance.
In the historic center, in Calle Arcediano. It can be reached on foot from Plaza Mayor (750 m, 8 min). By public transport, the nearest stop is Plaza del Mercado Viejo, bus 4 and 8 – Get directions.

Discover the story of Calixto and Melibea : the story tells that initially Calixto courts Melibea without attracting her, but then, with Celestina’s tricks, Melibea falls madly in love with her. However, their love one day is doomed to tragically end as Calixto dies while descending the stairs and Melibea commits suicide by jumping off the balcony after seeing Calixto dead. Despite the sad story, this park is the destination of many lovers, who hang a padlock as a sign of their love.

12 – Convent of San Esteban
This imposing religious building located near the Old Cathedral is a Dominican monastery founded by one of the sons of the Duchess of Alba, in the sixteenth century, which over time has been the home of illustrious people such as Christopher Columbus, Ignazio de Lovola, Diego di Deza.
Formed by a monumental church with a Latin cross plan, several convent rooms, three cloisters and the library, it has a beautiful facade of pink Villamayor stone with inlays , which shines in unique tones at sunset.
Inside, do not miss the altarpiece, the cloister, the museum dedicated to the Dominicans, the imposing staircase and the Profundis room where Christopher Columbus obtained the support of the Dominicans for his adventurewhich planned to arrive in the Americas via a new route. It is also possible to visit the confessionary of Santa Teresa, the founder of the Discalced Carmel, and the only woman who gave birth to a male religious order.

Enter the courtyard of the Convento de las Duenas : in front of the Convento de San Esteban is the Convento de las Duenas. Unfortunately there is not enough time available to visit it, but we advise you to enter just to take a photo in the central garden! The entire building is in Moorish style and for a few moments you will feel like you are stepping into Marrakech! Admission is free. Get directions

• How to get there: in the historic center, in the Plaza del Concilio. It can be reached on foot from Plaza Mayor (600 m, 7 min). The closest stop is C / Gran Via 75, where buses 1, 3, 4, 8 and 9 pass – Get directions
• Hours: every day 10: 00-14: 00 and 16: 00-19: 00
• Ticket price: full € 3.50, groups € 2.50

13 – Domus Artium 2002
In 2002 Salamanca was declared European Cultural Capital and, on this occasion, it was decided to realize a really important enterprise, both from the artistic-cultural and from the touristic point of view: to transform and renovate the ancient prison that it has since become the Domus Artium museum.
Inside there is a large collection of contemporary art , with collections of avant-garde works and exhibitions concerning new technologies. Inside the museum there is also a café, ideal for a snack or a light meal.

• How to get there: on Avenida de la Aldehuela, southeast of Salamanca, near the Parco de los Jesuitas. It can be reached from Plaza Mayor on foot (1.5 km, 18 min) or by bus 8 Abraham Zacut 6 stop, 4 min from the museum – Get directions
• Hours: Tue-Fri 12:00 – 14:00 and 17:00 – 20:00, Sat-Sun 12: 00-15: 00 and 17: 00-21: 00, closed Mon
• Ticket cost: free

What to see in Salamanca in one day
It is not a very big city and it is ideal to visit in a day, especially in an on the road along Spain. From Madrid it is 2 h 40 min by train, perfect for a day tour from Madrid. So let’s find out together what to see in Salamanca in one day !
First time in Salamanca
To optimize time and have a first approach to the city, we recommend that you book a private tour with a local.

• 09:30 – Plaza Mayor, House of Shells
• 11:00 – Old Cathedral and New Cathedral
• 15:00 – University of Salamanca
• 16:30 – Garden of Calixto and Melibea and Grotta di Salamanca
• 18:00 – San Esteban Convent
• 19:00 – Court of the Palace of La Salina

What to see in Salamanca in 3 days
Three days are more than enough to discover the city of Salamanca, and it will be possible to experience it slowly, discovering even the lesser known corners. Here is our suggested itinerary to visit Salamanca in 3 days:

• Giorno 1 : Plaza Mayor, Central Market, Bullfighting Museum, San Martin Church, Ananya Square, Old Cathedral, New Cathedral, University, Fortezza Romana – mostra mappa
• Giorno 1 : Casa de las Conchas, Palacio Monterrey, Convent of the Madre de Dios, Torre del Clavero, Plaza Colon, Convent of San Esteban, Casa Lis, Museum of Automotive History, Ponte Romano, Monument of Lazarillo del Tormes – mostra mappa
• Giorno 1 : Torre del Aire, Plaza de la Constitucion, Hermitage of Our Lady of Mercy, Jesuit Park, Domus Artium 2002, Riverwalk, Plaza Mayor, Casa Dona Maria la Brava, Plaza de Alonso de Solis – mostra mappa

Other attractions to visit
If you have time left and you have seen all the previous attractions, we would like to point out other attractions to see and visit , although of lesser importance.
The facade of the Palcio de Monterrey is a fine example of Spanish Renaissance architecture , but the building is unfortunately closed to the public. Another building worth mentioning is the Orellana Palace, seat of the Grand Archives of the Civil War (free) and the Anaya Palace, seat of the Faculty of Philology (free), a wonderful example of the neoclassical of Salamanca .
The Convento de las Duenes, in a beautiful Moorish palace with a very suggestive cloister (free), the Church of San Juan de Sahagun and the Church of San Tomas are less impressive Catholic religious buildings than the cathedral but with their own particular charm , which deserve a visit if time permits.

If you love cars and travel with children, a museum suitable for you and the Automobile History Museum, with a permanent exhibition of 100 vehicles (€ 4.00); alternatively, for movie buffs, the Castille and Leon Film Library is famous for its Fascinanting Devices collection (price based on events, see the official website). Finally, for those who want to know anecdotes and stories of bullfighting, we recommend the small but characteristic Bullfighting Museum, all to be discovered (€ 3.00), with numerous documents and ancient traditional clothes of the bullfighters.

5 things to do in Salamanca Have
a coffee at the Caf Novelty

Attend the Virgen de la Vega parties

Take a photo with the Lazarillo de Tormes

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1. Have a coffee at Cafe Novelty : you can’t help but sit at a table in the oldest café in Salamanca, in Plaza Mayor, which in the past hosted illustrious personalities such as Victor Garcia de las Conchas, Yose Ortega y Gasset, Mario Verga Llosa and many others
2. Participate in the festivals of the Virgen de la Vega : in September there is a popular festival in honor of the Virgin, during which dances, shows and processions are organized
3. Going to Tapear : the best way to taste some typical dishes of the city and taste the tapas! At lunchtime, between 2pm and 4pm, many bars offer small portions of their specialties. In addition to Plaza Mayor, one of the most popular places is Calle Van Dick, full of typical bars
4. Street art tour: walking in the Oreste district, not far from the historic center, you will come across the murals of the Galeria Urbana. The artists have in fact painted empty walls, garage doors and even houses! This is the most colorful district of Salamanca
5. Take a picture with the Lazarillo de Tormes : just before the Roman Bridge is this sculpture dedicated to Lazarillo de Tormes, a famous Spanish novel but with an anonymous author. You cannot say that you have been to Salamanca without having immortalized this statue

What to see nearby: day trips and excursions
vila, 100 km
Toledo, 227 km
Valladolid, 116 km
Segovia, 143 km
Miranda del Castaar, 74 km
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• Avila , 100 km: famous for its perfectly maintained medieval walls, the city has 80 lacy towers and nine city gates; the most beautiful “El Alcazar”, is located in the eastern part of the city.
• Arribes del Duero Natural Park , 86 km: along a natural strip as the border between Spain and Portugal created by the erosion of the Duero and Agueda rivers. It is possible to take river cruises, horseback riding, and visits to small villages to discover traditions, crafts and gastronomy. Finally, do not miss the visit to Pozo Airon, a waterfall that falls from above with impetus into the bed of the river below.
• Toledo , 227 km: famous for its architectural beauties that have been able to integrate completely distant cultures and religions with grace and magnificence: Christian, Arab and Jewish buildings coexist side by side and make the landscape unique.
• Valladolid , 116 km: historic center full of churches and historic buildings, it is a university city with a very intense nightlife, and it will be very pleasant to walk on the banks of the river Duero that crosses the city.
• Segovia , 143 km: located on the Camino de Santiago and has a truly unique ancient charm. The imposing Roman aqueduct has 160 arches and is the undisputed protagonist of the central square of the city, Plaza Azoguejo. It has a great culinary and wine tradition, therefore a stop in the numerous restaurants for a tasting of typical products is highly recommended.
• Zamora , 63 km away: The Duero River also flows through the city of Zamora, the capital of the province of the same name. The city is particularly known for its numerous Romanesque churches, it has 24.
• Sierra di Francia – La Alberca , 63 km: splendid natural park characterized by this mountain range, rich in hiking trails, it is possible to visit an ancient village, La Alberca, the first to be declared a national historical monument.
• Bejar and Sierra de Candelario , 73 km away: mountain resort nestled between the mountains. All around the city is surrounded by a suggestive wall, and inside you can visit the historical artistic garden El Bosque with a pond and large trees. From the village it is also possible to leave for a bicycle excursion through the cycle path that retraces the old railway and heads south following the river.
• Miranda del Castanar , 74 km: a village within the vast territory of the Sierra de France. Its bullring is the oldest square in Spain, and of course the village has been declared a national historic monument.

Getting around Salamanca
The best way to visit the city is on foot ! The historic center is in fact very small, the main attractions are all close to each other and, for a very first approach, we recommend a private visit with a local, to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Salamanca.
No vehicle is really not recommended, but car rental can be really not very useful , as there is no need to move by car! In fact, you can also count on buses and taxis for some longer routes.
If you intend to use the bus, the purchase of the Tarjeta bono-bus is very useful, a rechargeable card that costs only € 2.00 but which allows you to travel on city buses for € 0.59 each way (normal cost of a single ticket € 1.05). There are no other means of public transport or cards and passes.

In summer, the tourist train is active , which leaves from Plaza de Anaya and makes a complete tour of the city in about 30 minutes, passing by the most touristic points and the most famous areas (every day 10: 00-20: 00, departures every 30 min). Especially recommended if you are traveling with children or for a general overview of Salamanca (ticket cost € 4.00, reduced 3-12 years € 2.00, reduced over € 653.00).

• Recommended solutions and means : on foot, taxi, tourist train
• Solutions and means not recommended : cars
• City card and recommended passes : Tarjeta bono-bus (purchase € 2.00 – see details)

Plan your stay in Salamanca: tips, flights and hotels
Salamanca is ideal for a weekend at any time of the year, but surely spring and autumn are the best seasons , because the temperature is less hot and more bearable. But if you want to experience an unforgettable atmosphere, summer is the perfect time because there are several festivals , such as the Jazz in the street, the International Arts of Castilla and Leon. In September, then, there is the Feast of the Virgen de la Vega, with shows and an offering of flowers to the Madonna on 8 September.
To get there, you need to make a stopover in Madrid , and then continue by land from Madrid (compare flights). Once in town,, since the historic and small center and most of the attractions are located here. Alternatively, urban transport is efficient. The city is quite cheap and there are structures of all types. We advise you to stay in the center (compare the best accommodations on Booking).

Salamanca is on a human and family scale ! In addition to the things previously mentioned, visit the Parco de la Alamedilla, a garden with fountains and artificial lakes where swans and ducks wallow. Those looking for the nightlife , on the other hand, will find most of the places to have a chupito or a cerveza near Plaza Mayor and Plaza de San Juan Bautista.