What to do and see in Salamanca? This little gem of Castilla y León isn't just pretty: it's fascinating. Its historic streets, lively squares and sculpted facades look like something out of a museum... only better, because you can stroll through them on foot and be surprised at every turn. From the Roman Bridge, with its incredible views over the city, to the Plaza Mayor, the vibrant heart of Salamanca, to hidden treasures such as the Convento de San Esteban, whose impressive façade leaves no one indifferent, this city promises discovery at every step. Prepare to fall under its spell!
1. The University of Salamanca, one of the city's must-sees
Founded around 1220 by Alfonso IX, the University of Salamanca became the most prestigious in Spain after the union of León and Castile. Its facade, carved in the early XVIᵉ century, is considered the masterpiece of the Plateresque style. Entering the lower cloister, we discover the former classrooms of this illustrious institution. A monumental stone staircase, decorated with allegorical scenes, leads to the upper floor. Exiting onto the patio of the Escuelas Menores, accessed through a finely sculpted Renaissance portal, you'll find the charm of Salmantine arcades and a serene, almost monastic atmosphere. Another surprising detail catches the eye: the mysterious red "V "s, once traced in bull's blood, covering the walls of the university. Since the Middle Ages, these "Victor Victorias" have honoured newly-appointed doctors.
One of the former classrooms, now transformed into a museum, allows visitors to explore the history of the knowledge taught at Salamanca: astrology, navigation, history, medicine... Visitors can also contemplate a 15th-century celestial fresco, a veritable zodiac journey painted on the ceiling.
Good to know: The main game is to find the frog on the façade. It's said to bring good luck!
2. Salamanca's cathedrals
The Old and New Cathedrals of Salamanca, set against each other, make up a unique ensemble that blends styles and periods: from late Romanesque (XIIᵉ-XIIIᵉ centuries) for the former to Renaissance Gothic for the latter. From the Patio Chico, the contrasting harmony of the two buildings is clearly visible: the Rooster Tower, topped by a Byzantine dome and flanked by lobular apses, faces the abundant facade of the Nueva Catédral, where the stonework unfurls in veritable sculpted lacework. Inside, the volumes are emphasized by high cornices. Among the chapels, only the Golden Chapel stands out, with its azulejos and refined sculptures. It leads to the Old Cathedral, whose masterpiece is the central altarpiece: a collection of 53 15th-century paintings by Italian masters, topped by a Renaissance fresco depicting the Last Judgment.
The cloister, refurbished in the 18thᵉ century, is surrounded by primitive chapels, including that of Salvador, with its superb Mudejar vault, and that of Santa Bárbara. The chapter house, meanwhile, houses the collections of the Diocesan Museum.
To book : Go here to book your Salamanca Cathedral ticket including audio guide.
Good to know: Since 2023, you can enjoy a new immersive experience: "The Cathedral as you've never seen it", offered with the help of a virtual reality headset, included in the admission ticket.
3. Visit the cloister of the Convent of Las Duenas
This XVIᵉ century convent, long shrouded in mystery, is home to a remarkably well-preserved Renaissance cloister. Its upper gallery reveals all the elegance of its architecture, while the capitals lining the perimeter displaya veritable bestiary of fantastic creatures. A hundred meters away, on the Plaza de Colón, stands the statue of the admiral, his finger stretched out to the west. The square is framed by elegant Renaissance mansions and dominated by a 15th-century fortress, topped by the Clavero Tower, nicknamed the "Key Tower".
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4. Convent and church of Saint Esteban: a must-see in Salamanca
Built in the XVIᵉ century, this Dominican convent impresses with its colossal proportions and rich decoration. Its plateresque façade, sculpted like a veritable altarpiece, announces the scale of the edifice: inside, the majestic nave rivals Churriguera's Baroque altarpiece. The cloister is splendid, with its harmonious proportions and Soto staircase, an architectural masterpiece. Upstairs, humanist quotations adorn the walls, adding an intellectual dimension to the visit. Outside, the facade is adorned with a remarkable historical bas-relief, andreveals all its splendor at sunset, when the stone takes on a golden hue. Well-preserved and exceptionally rich, this convent remains a site not to be missed under any circumstances during a stay in Salamanca.
Worth knowing: A landmark of the Dominican order, the convent welcomed Christopher Columbus on the eve of his voyage to the New World.
5. Visit the Monterrey Palace
This plateresque palace is distinguished by its finely sculpted reliefs depicting cherubs and fantastical creatures. Considered an often-imitated model, the palace's interior features more than a dozen salons and private rooms. We particularly enjoyed the main dining room, with its Mudejar decor, the salón imperio and the famous "king's bedroom". The tour is enriched by part of the Casa de Alba Foundation collection, with landscapes by José de Ribera, the portrait of the third Duke of Alba by Sánchez Coello, and works by Titian.
Discover the secrets of Salamanca's Monterrey Palace by booking this guided tour.
6. Visit the Salamanca Museum of Art Nouveau and Art Deco
Housed in a superb Art Nouveau palace from the early XXᵉ century, built on the initiative of Miguel de Lis by architect Joaquín de Vargas, this museum captivates from the moment you enter with its splendid glass roof. Inside, you'll discover a rich collection of objects from the period, evoking a veritable corner of Paris 1900 in the heart of Castile. Art nouveau pieces, notably from the École de Nancy, stand alongside an astonishing collection of antique dolls and animated books, all presented in a remarkable architectural setting. Not only is the Musée d'Art Moderne fascinating, but its setting is magical. We enjoyed the sunset, when the glass roof lights up and the stone is tinged with gold from the nearby ramparts.
On this guided bike tour, you'll admire the city's ornate sandstone architecture, ride along the River Tormes, admire the Roman bridge and much more.
7. Visit Casa de las Conchas
The Casa de las Conchas stands out for its spectacular facade, adorned with over 300 scallop shells. Built in the 15th century by a knight of the Order of St. James as a tribute to his wife, Doña Concha, it is now surrounded by legends. One legend has it that an ounce of gold is hidden beneath one of the shells, meant to bring good luck to the house. Inside, it houses the public library and, in a nook at the entrance to the patio, you can discover a beautiful light fixture made from shells . From the upper floor, the view over the cloister is truly worth the detour.
Book my guided tour of Salamanca
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8. Visit Casa de las Muertes
The Casa de las Muertes stands in a charming little square in Salamanca, Spain. Its richly decorated facade features sculpted medallions and curious skull and crossbones, giving it a singular allure. This XVIᵉ century stately home is shrouded in mystery: a legend said it was haunted, which explains why it remained unoccupied for so long. Its name derives precisely from the astonishingly elegant skulls adorning its facade. Today, although the house is not open to the public, it is a real eye-catcher. Located opposite a restaurant where it's not uncommon to hear bands playing in the evening, it adds a touch of originality and character to this friendly square.
If you're a fan of mystery, you can book this guided tour at sunset. You'll hear about mysterious local legends as you stroll through the towers and gardens.
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9. Admire the Universidad Pontificia in Salamanca
It's hard to miss this majestic Jesuit college, now the seat of the Pontifical University. Built in the XVIIᵉ century, it is distinguished by its high Baroque towers, still marked by a certain austerity. Inside, the contrast is striking: sumptuous gilded wooden altarpieces will seduce lovers of Churrigueresque Baroque. The more intrepid can climb the 200-odd steps to the top of the tower, from where there's a breathtaking view of the city.
Good to know: The guided tour is in Spanish, but you can also visit the church on your own shortly before the start of mass.
10. Visit the Barrio Del Oeste
Salamanca's Barrio del Oeste is well worth a visit, if only for its street art. Strolling through its narrow streets, you'll discover a veritable open-air museum: walls and facades are adorned with colorful frescoes and original worksthat surprise and delight at every turn. This district offers a refreshing contrast to the historic hyper-center, bringing a more contemporary, bohemian atmosphere to the city. And as we lost ourselves in these little streets, we enjoyed a stroll full of charm and creativity, which makes you want to go beyond the classic tourist sites.
Where to stay in Salamanca?
Salamanca, Spain's historic jewel, offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all styles and budgets. Here is a selection of the best places to stay, according to your preferences:
- Best located for exploring the city: Silken Rona Dalba
Bookable here, this hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the Plaza Mayor and close to all the main sights. You can easily explore the city on foot, with many bars and restaurants nearby, as well as cathedrals, the university and other tourist attractions.
- The best view: the Parador de Salamanca
Bookable here, this hotel on a hill overlooking the old town boasts panoramic views of Salamanca's historic center and cathedrals. A panorama you can enjoy even at night, as the center is illuminated. In summer, you can even enjoy the view from the swimming pool. As for the restaurant, one of the best in Salamanca, the quality is top-notch, with a menu that includes hornazo (meat turnover) and farinato (sausage).
- The most economical: ibis Salamanca
Go here to book this friendly budget hotel in Salamanca,ideally located for discovering the historic city and its main tourist attractions. Rooms are spacious, quiet and equipped with the Sweet BedTM by ibis for complete rest. Pets are welcome. Private parking is also available.
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