ExploraSpain

Top attractions in Salamanca

What you can't miss in Salamanca, with photos and context.

Royal Pavilion of Salamanca's Plaza Mayor at sunset with the city's golden Villamayor stone

Plaza Mayor

Spain's most beautiful Baroque square (1755, by Alberto de Churriguera). The city's living room: everything happens here, from morning coffee to summer concerts.

Inner courtyard of the University of Salamanca with central well and arcades in golden stone

University of Salamanca

Spain's oldest university (1218). A Plateresque facade hiding the legendary frog on a skull — finding it brings exam luck according to student tradition.

Cathedral complex of Salamanca with the Baroque dome of the New Cathedral and Gothic pinnacles

Old and New Cathedrals

Two cathedrals merged into a single complex: the Old one (Romanesque-Gothic, 12th century) and the New one (Late Gothic-Baroque, 16th century). The tower climb is a must.

Shell-studded wall of Salamanca's Casa de las Conchas with the Baroque facade of La Clerecía in the background

Casa de las Conchas

15th-century palace with a facade covered in 365 carved scallop shells (symbol of the Camino de Santiago). Today a public library with a free-to-visit Renaissance courtyard.

Plateresque facade of Salamanca's Convent of San Esteban

Convent of San Esteban

Dominican convent with the city's most striking Plateresque facade. Fray Luis de León taught here, and Columbus debated his voyages with theologians here.

The Tormes River beneath an iron bridge, with Salamanca's Cathedrals in the background

Tormes River and Roman Bridge

The Roman Bridge crosses the Tormes beside the stone boar (verraco) made famous by the Lazarillo de Tormes. The riverbanks are the best place to take in the skyline of the Cathedrals, especially at sunset.

See activities in Salamanca →