Salamanca is one of the most magnificent Renaissance cities in Europe, being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998 and a European City of Culture in 2002. The city is small enough to navigate by foot, allowing students 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.

Salamanca is home to the University of Salamanca, the oldest university in Spain that still exists today. Students from all over Spain and Europe come to Salamanca to study.

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 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 shells, 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-style 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; he lies here in a splendid marble tomb designed by Diego de Siloe. 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 the incredible architecture, the a highlight of this cathedral the art of the cupola, 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, featuring works from as early as the 17th century. On display are paintings, sculptures, glass, jewelry, dolls and other works of art.

¿Habla inglés? Do you speak English? (formal)
¿Hablas inglés? Do you speak English? (informal)
(No) Hablo español. I (don't) speak Spanish.
Perdóname/Con permiso. Excuse me (used when cutting through a crowd).
Pasa. Pass (the response to perdoname).
Lo siento. I'm sorry.
¡Ayuda! Help!
¡Socorro! Help! (in an emergency situation)
¡Cuidado! Caution, look out!
¿Cómo está? How are you? (formal)
¿Cómo estás? How are you? (informal)
(Muy) Bien. (Very) Well.
(Muy) Mal. (Very) Bad.
Gracias. Thank you.
Por favor. Please.
Buenos días. Good morning
Buenas tardes. Good afternoon.
Buenas noches. Good evening.
Adios. Goodbye.
No entiendo. I don't understand.
¿Cómo se llama? What is your name? (formal)
¿Cómo te llamas? What is your name? (informal)
Me llamo... My name is...
Mucho gusto./Encantado. Nice to meet you.
¿De dónde es? Where are you from? (formal)
¿De dónde eres? Where are you from? (informal)
Soy de... I am from...
¿Qué hora es? What time is it?
¿Dónde está el hotel? Where is the hotel?
¿Dónde está un teléfono? Where is a telephone?
¿Dónde está el baño? Where is the restroom?
¿Cómo voy a...? How do I get to...?
¿Tiene usted...? Do you have...? (formal)
¿Tienes...? Do you have...? (informal)
¿Cuánto cuesta? How much is it?
Me gustaría... I'd like to order... (in a restaurant)
La cuenta, por favor. The bill, please.
Soy vegetariano/a. I am a vegetarian.
¡Salud! Cheers!/Bless you! (after a sneeze)
¿Cómo se dice ____ en español? How do you say ______ in Spanish?
¡Vamos! Let's go!