Passport 2011: Salamanca, Spain

Salamanca is one of the most splendid Renaissance cities in Europe, maybe small but it is absolutely gorgeous and is another World Heritage listed city in Spain. This beautiful town has special character that attracts tourists – probably because it’s really old and historically richer or maybe because while it is often loaded with tourists and students, the place still has its very relaxing atmosphere, either I guess.

What I love this tiny charming town is the tiny cobbled streets with buildings that were uniformly constructed using Villamayor stone (it has components that help artisans create intricate designs). I can’t help but devoured on its 18th century architectures, truly a great feast for photography enthusiast like me. Yeah, right! :)

Notable sites are the impressive Plaza Mayor, Salamanca University and The Cathedral.

La Plaza Mayor de Salamanca is another Baroque architecture and is considered as one of the more beautiful squares in Spain, I will agree to that. It is a common hang-out place for tourists and student and around the square lays cafes, pastry and ice cream shops, jewelry and souvenir shops, etc. It’s really a must to stay overnight for opportunity to capture an even more stunning photos and to experience Salamanca’s famous nightlife which I regret hubby and I didn’t do. Oh well.

The Salamanca University is another remarkable monument that’s a must see while in Spain. It is one of the oldest universities in the world. Many students from all over find it ideal to study here because of its outstanding academic program with an opportunity to experience diverse cultures and a chance to learn Spanish at its purest form. Little Trivia: Its façade is famous for hidden frog (they said it will give you luck when you find it) and it’s really difficult to find so be ready when you get there so as not to waste time. 

Salamanca Cathedral is definitely one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen in my whole life! Standing in front of it is just surreal. It is one of the most exquisite examples of Plateresque (rich decorative style), a style that came out during the time Gothic was becoming less popular and Renaissance style was emerging. It consists of two cathedrals built next to each other – the New Cathedral “La Nueva” and the Old Catheral “La Vieja”. La Nueva is known for its height and spiritual magnificence while La Vieja is prime example of Roman Architecture featuring the prospects of Christ and Virgin Mary’s life.

Salamanca is definitely not the place you can just tag “been there, done that”. It’s so appealing that all you ever want to do when you think of it is to go back and discover and experience more. Muy Bien!!