Plaza Mayor, Salamanca
Have you ever been swept away by the charm of an enchanting city? If your answer is no, we’re sure you have never visited the spectacular city of Salamanca, Spain. Located in western Spain right in the heart of Castile and León, you are sure to fall in love with with its magical buildings and quaint urban landscapes. In fact, the Old City was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, putting it on the map as an unforgettable and a must see destination while visiting Spain.
The city itself is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and attracts tourists from all over the world seeking out rich cultural heritage, which contributed to city winning the award for European Capital of Culture in 2002. Many students worldwide also choose the University of Salamanca, founded in 1218, as their preferred college town to complete their university studies. It’s considered one of the oldest universities in the world attracting more than 30, 000 students every year, giving the city atmosphere a youthful and fresh vibe.
While visting the city, the University of Salamanca is definitely a monument you won’t want to miss. The Plateresque facade of the university makes it one of the most striking buildings in the city. The facade of the building is a myriad of intriquate details carved into the typical sand stone building, also famously know as Villamayor Sandstone. When you are admiring this amazing work of artistic architecture, you may notice many people looking up as if they were searching for a hidden treasure at the top of the building. These people are not crazy, they are actually searching for a frog on a skull which, if found, the legend says that the finder will one day return to Salamanca and also is meant to bring good luck to students in their studies.
Another must see monument is the breathtaking Plaza Mayor, a traditional Spanish baroque style town square filled with stunning archways lined with restaurants, tapas bars and ice cream parlours, making it a popular meeting place. The large clock tower is the main meeting point of the city and at any given hour of the day you can find dozens of young people waiting to meet their friends.
If you’re a hopeless romantic you shouldn’t miss The Calixto and Melibea Garden (Huerto de Calixto y Melibea in Spanish) located upon the ancient walls of the city with amazing views of the Tormes River. Named after the star-crossed lovers Calixto and Melibea from Fernando Rojas’ literary masterpiece La Celestina, the whimsical lush green gardens full of blooming flowers and bushy trees is the perfect peaceful escape for any couple. We’re sure it will leave you spellbound and you will fall in love all over again at one of the prettiest parks in Salamanca!
NH Puerta de la Catedral, Salamanca
Make your next escape to Salamanca unforgettable at the NH Puerta de la Catedral, included in our limited time Summer Buzz offer destinations, it combines an elegant array of contemporary accommodations with an authentic historical atmosphere. An establishment in the prestigious NH Collection line, its prime location is right in the Old City centre next to the two magnificent cathedrals. The hotel opens directly onto the old cathedral square, with amazing views of both Plaza Juan XXIII and the cathedral domes that make every visitor feel part of Salamanca’s noble history. It will make you feel like you are waking up in ancient fairytale!
Photo Credit: Ángel Mayoral González
