Salamanca, Spain

Salamanca is a city in western Spain, the administrative center of the province of Salamanca in the Autonomous Community of Castile and Leon. This is a city where one can fully enjoy and follow the development of Spanish architecture. Salamanca was founded by the Celtic Wakei tribe, and after the arrival of the Romans on the Iberian Peninsula, Helmantika, as the city was then known, became an important trading center. Today, the bridge over the Tormes River remains one of them.
Located around the Tormes River, Salamanca was conquered by the Moors in 712 and remained under their rule until the 11th century. An important moment in the history of the city is the founding of the University of Salamanca in 1218, which quickly became one of the most prestigious European training centers. It is the oldest Spanish university still operating today and one of the oldest in Europe.
The main historical landmarks in the city are the University building, the main square, the monastery of St. Stephen and other buildings in the Gothic style. The huge majestic cathedral in Salamanca is actually made up of two parts: La Nueva Cathedral and Vieja de Santa Maria Cathedral. The "new" cathedral was built in 1513 in a combination of styles from late Gothic through the Renaissance to Plater and Baroque. The sculpted arches, ribbed columns and the rich choir, also the work of the Churiger brothers, create the impressive appearance of the huge building. It is also home to the largest organ in Spain, dating back to the mastery of Pedro de Echevaria in 1745.
The center of Salamanca is characterized by a combination of monuments from different periods - Roman, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. All buildings in the center, as well as modern ones, have a facade of Villamayor stone, and its characteristic golden color gives the city a strong individuality. Salamanca Cathedral is considered a prototype of the Spanish-style platter style. It originated in the transition period from the Gothic to the Renaissance. The Golden Chapel with its superb sculptures and Patio Chico contribute to the interior splendor of the cathedral.
Next to the Cathedral is Plaza Mayor, one of the most beautiful in Spain. It is the geographical and secular center of Salamanca. The streets that depart from it are filled with significant buildings. Plaza Mayor was built between 1729 and 1755. Not only is it one of the most beautiful places in the city, but it is also considered one of the most beautiful squares in all of Spain. Its Baroque architecture from the XVIII century. Much of Salamanca's day and night life unfolds and draws into the whirlwind of Plaza Mayor.
A place of honor is also given to the prestige of Salamanca - Universiade de Salamanca. Discovered in 1218, its buildings are scattered around Calie Serranos and Calie Libreros. Esquelas Mayores is the first Gothic building of the university, completed in 1533, famous for its most amazing façade and masterpiece of the plater style.
There is hardly another historic city that conveys such architectural purity as Salamanca. In 1985, the old town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.