To talk of culture is to talk of Salamanca. Taking a walk through the streets of its historical center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, means taking a walk through centuries of history, art, and knowledge and experiencing the wonder of landmarks such as its famous university, one of the oldest in Europe, and which today continues to attract thousands of students.
When evening comes, the light of the setting sun gives the monuments a special golden hue, thanks to the stone from which they are built. It is then that the night-time Salamanca comes into its own, bringing a lively, youthful atmosphere. When you enter the monuments of Salamanca, a world of legends and history awaits you. A good stroll could start in the city's famous Plaza Mayor, the meeting point par excellence in the city. Enjoying a coffee in the legendary Novelty while looking at its 88 arches or sitting quietly on any of its terraces is all highly recommended.
When you are ready to investigate, a good place to start is at the two cathedrals of Salamanca (yes, two!). On the Puerta de Ramos of the New Cathedral, you need to find the figure of an astronaut carved from stone and then go up one of its towers on the Heironimus tour, to experience unbeatable views. More secrets? The University of Salamanca features a stone frog “hidden” in the façade, which is said to bring luck to students; legend has it that the palace of Casa de las Conchas hides a treasure, the Huerto de Calixto y Melibea, which is really a garden linked to a literary tale; it is said that the Devil taught witchcraft in the Salamanca Cave... And there are thousands more stories like these in a city that has so many landmarks to discover, such as the Casa Lis, the Cielo de Salamanca, the Clereca, and the Roman bridge.
One thing that is certainly no secret is the fantastic cuisine in the city. Some of its typical products include various cured sausages, ham from Guijuelo, and the popular snack known as 'hornazo', a pastry filled with egg and other ingredients such as pork loin, chorizo, etc. You can purchase some to take away with you, although eating it here definitely makes it taste all the more delicious.
Speaking of shopping, the pedestrianized streets of Toro and Zamora are full of shops, and in the Plaza del Liceo you can even go shopping in a refurbished church, part of the old convent of San Antonio el Real. The city's nightlife also has a well-earned reputation as university students bring life to the city both day and night. Their vitality can be felt on a tapas tour along Calle Van Dyck, and their alternative culture is also present in the Barrio del Oeste neighborhood, where you will find garages and walls covered in urban art. Under the moonlight, the monuments are lit up, and it's time for live concerts or a drink in any of the city's bars.
