Salamanca has 2 universities; the Catholic University founded by the Jesuits in the 17th century and the famous Civil University founded in the 13th century and the oldest in Spain. The universities give a sparkle to the city which teems with restaurants, cafes and bars. The Civil University, one of the most important in Spain, is housed in magnificent buildings, currently has 30,000 students and attracts thousands of international students.
Its strategic location on the important Roman road, Via de la Plata, linking it with Merida in the south and Astorga in the north brought it substantial wealth and its Roman Bridge dating from the 1st century was a link in this road. The region around Salamanca was a habitual battlefield between the Christians and the Moors. Salamanca played a major role in the Spanish Civil War and was Franco’s capital and it was here on the 22nd July 1812 that Wellington, commanding an Anglo-Portuguese army, defeated the Napoleonic French
The height of Salamanca’s fame was reached in the 16th century when the university was home to the most important intellectuals of the time.
The enormous, spectacular, Baroque style, Plaza Mayor, the heart of the city and the Baroque cathedral were built in the 18th century. There are countless museums (do visit the Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum), university buildings, palaces, churches, squares, gardens public spaces and monuments to explore. The cathedral and the Convento de San Esteban are jewels.
A wonderful city with much to do and see and worthy of a 4 or 5 night stay.
