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The center of Salamanca has its jewel in the beautiful baroque square called Plaza Mayor (the main square), a unique artistic achievement in Baroque art. Built between 1729 and 1755, it is surrounded by beautiful galleries and arcades, decorated with medallions depicting famous Spanish personalities.
Behind the south side of the square (going out through the arch of Plaza del Corrillo) there is the 13th century church dedicated to San Martín.

Take a leisurely walk along Rúa Mayor. On the right, in Calle Compañía, you will see Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells), which dates back to the fifteenth century - so called because of the shells carved out of stone that adorns the building. Truly remarkable the restored courtyard and the Renaissance portal, finely decorated. Today Casa de las Conchas is a modern library.

On the opposite side there is the church of Clerecía (17th century),a pefect example of baroque architecture. Since 1941 it has belonged to the Universidad Pontificia (a Catholic University).
Formerly it was the Sacred Spirit Royal College, founded in 1611 by Margaret of Austria, the wife of Felipe III, and it was one of the bastions of the Jesuits in Spain before they were expelled in 1767. It was designed in a "U" shape, and took 150 years to build. The Clerecía is considered one of the most outstanding baroque buildings in Europe, and the staircase in the main hall is also a must-to-see.

The many shops along this road are ideal to do some souvenir shopping...but do not buy too much yet because there are still a few buildings to see ;)

Continuing on the Rua Mayor, just at the end, you will reach Plaza de Anaya, the city's most attractive and romantic square. Opposite are the Catedral consisting of two buildings: Catedral Nueva (New Cathedral) - with its 17 chapels, begun in 1513 and completed in 1733 is the latest example of Gothic in Spain - and the Catedral Vieja (old cathedral) surmounted by Torre del Gallo, a tower of 110 meters.
Among the chapels of the Catedral Nueva remember to see Ognisanti, also called capilla dorada. The old cathedral is in Romanesque style with some Gothic elements of 12th and 13th century.

On the left of Plaza de Anaya you should visit San Sebastián Church and Colegio de Anaya that houses the university's Faculty of Modern Languages. The courtyard, the majestic staircase and the bust of Miguel de Unamuno are definitely worth visit.

Now you can choose to go down to the Puente Romano (Roman bridge), or go towards the University.

So you decided to go to the Roman bridge over the Tormes River? ¡Muy bien! Better to know that this bridge was an important part of the Roman silver route and that of the 26 early arches of the Puente Romano only the first 15 are left. The rest disappeared as a result of floods and the passage of time. But the Puente Romano is still a wonderful spot where you can look down on the charming city of Salamanca. You can also see the famous bull from the first picaresque novel Lazarillo de Tormes.

The famous University instead, was founded by Alfonso IX of Leon in 1218, and is therefore the oldest in Spain. The magnificent façade in Plateresque style is decorated with medallions and escutcheons of various kings. This filigree work contains symbolic imagery that gives rise to numerous legends. You'll notice a lot of people trying to find a frog ... the legend says that if you can identify the image of a frog, you're sure to have good luck, so the story goes!It's your turn! Find the frog .. a small tip .. is on a skull! Sorry but that's all I can say ;)

Right opposite to the University don't miss the courtyard of the Escuelas Mayores with the Cielo de Salamanca (Salamanca Sky, the ceiling that used to be on the University Library).

And this is just a taste of things to see .. ah, do not miss the Convento de San Esteban (St. Stephen's Convent) en la plaza del Concilio de Trento.

So what are you waiting for! Travel to Salamanca! And do not miss the next post with updated information on Salamanca!