Salamanca is one of the most magnificent Renaissance cities in all of Europe. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and a European City of Culture in 2002. The city is small enough to navigate by foot, allowing you to gain an intimate understanding of the local landscape and culture. Sandstone colored buildings fill the city, earning Salamanca the name of La Ciudad Dorada (The Golden City).
As one of the top locations to learn the Spanish language, Salamanca (pop. 156,000) is not only a great place to study abroad, but is also the first program site where the initial group of ISA students studied in 1987. Salamanca is described by many as the ideal study abroad location because of the outstanding academic opportunities, assorted cultural activities, and proximity to the capital city of Madrid. The University of Salamanca is the oldest and most prestigious university in Spain and is located just a few blocks away from the ISA office and the Plaza Mayor. Students will undoubtedly find Salamanca to be beautiful, easy to navigate, and an ideal place to study abroad.
Salamanca is a metropolitan city centered around the university, so the student population thrives year-round. Regardless of your interests, you'll find more than enough to occupy your time while studying in Salamanca:
- People watching in the Plaza Mayor (regarded as one of the finest plazas in all of Europe)
- Participating in outdoor activities (hiking, rock climbing, skiing, horseback riding, four wheeling, and mountain biking, among others)
- Dining on traditional Spanish cuisine
- Running/jogging along the Tormes River
- Exploring the various historic monuments throughout town
- Photographing La Ciudad Dorada (The Golden City) as Salamanca is aptly named
In addition to having its advantages as a university town, Salamanca is also a perfect home base from which students can explore several other parts of Spain and Europe. Salamanca is only about 70 miles from the Portuguese border and Madrid is about 2.5 hours away via bus or train. Salamanca is an ideal location for those looking to add some variety to their study abroad experience.
The Plaza Mayor:
Designed by Alberto Churriguera, the Plaza Mayor is considered to be one of the most beautiful plazas in all of Europe. During the day, visit any number of the quaint cafes and shops that line the plaza. At night, dance with friends at the nearby discoteques.
Casa de las Conchas:
One of the most famous sites in Salamanca, the Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells) is a house that is decorated with over 300 seashells chiseled into the house's sandstone walls.
Casa de Las Muertes:
Named for the four skulls that adorn the top two windows, the Casa de Las Muertes is a 16th Century Plateresque home that was built to commemorate the deceased Archbishop Alonso de Fonseca who is buried across the the street in the Convento de Las Ursulas.
Convento de Las Ursulas, Convento de Las Dueñas, and Convento de San Esteban:
These three convents are some of the most beautiful and significant in all of Spain. The Convento de Las Ursulas (Convent of the Ursulines) is the final resting place of Archbishop Alonso de Fonseca. The archbishop lies here in a splendid marble tomb designed by Diego de Siloé. The Convento de Las Dueñas (Convent of the Dames) is known as one of the most fantastically decorated convents in all of Spain. Grotesque interlocking figures adorn the arches of the building. The Convento de San Esteban (Convent of St. Stephen) is one of the largest and most ornamented convents in western Spain.
Catedral Vieja and Catedral Nueva:
Built in the 12th Century, the Catedral Vieja (Old Cathedral) is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. In addition to its incredible design, a highlight of this cathedral is the art found in its cupola or dome, which depicts angels separating the sinners from the saved at the time of the apocalypse. Near the Catedral Vieja is the Catedral Nueva (New Cathedral). Finished in 1733, the Catedral Nueva is an example of Gothic architecture. Visitors are amazed at the incredible size of this edifice.
Museo de Salamanca and Museo Art Nouveau y Art Deco:
Two of the city's finest art museums, these feature works from as early as the 17th Century. On display are paintings, sculptures, glass, jewelry, dolls, and other works of art.
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