Salamanca Tourist Information

Lying 204km to the north west of Madrid and 118km from the border with Portugal, Salamanca is the liveliest town of old Castile thanks to its large student population. Salamanca university dates back to around 1220 and became one of the world's principal seats of learning alongside Oxford, Paris and Bologna. Today it is a magnet for foreign language students learning Spanish.

Salamanca's monuments are construced of sandstone which makes the whole city seem to glow brightly as the sun sets. Certainly this is one of Spain's most architecturally beautiful cities. The Plaza Mayor is considered the finest in the country and you'll find yourself hanging around its many cafés watching the world go by at least once during your visit.

The main attractions beside the various University buildings include its two Cathedrals, a fine Roman bridge, La Casa de las Conchas which is a house decorated with 350 shells as well as a variety of ancient Renaissance buildings scattered around the historical central district.

There is no international airport nearby so the main access is via Madrid from where there are plenty bus and train services as well as excursions for day trippers.