Dec. 29, 2014
On a sunny, but cool day we pulled into Salamanca, and we’re thrilled we’d booked a room near the Cathedral Vieja, University (universidad de Salamanca) and Plaza Mayor, all highlights of our visit here. Almost all the historic buildings were built with sandstone and have a bright, golden look to them.
The University has been in existence since 1134. It is the oldest university in Spain and the fourth oldest in Europe. Columbus came to this school for travel information. Many exchange students come here, including many Americans, specifically to study the Spanish language!
I, of course, was thrilled to see “residence” buildings after I lived in U housing for many years both during college and later as a hall director! Wish I could have gotten inside one for a tour!
Cathedral Vieja is also one of the oldest in Europe. It was started to be built in 1513 and finished in 1733. It’s been a national monument since 1887. It’s stunning inside and worth the 4euro charge to enter.
Plaza Mayor is all its claimed to be, full of life especially in the evening. The alleys around it come alive around 5 pm. The plaza itself is a beautiful square that dates back to the 1700’s. Historically it held bullfights but now it is full of eateries, coffee, and trinket shops. It too is built from sandstone and has a soft look to it.
Glad it was sunny as it was around freezing, but we bundled up and enjoyed Salamanca’s old town area.
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