Babylon Idiomas is pleased to announce that we are now offering courses in the wonderful Spanish destination of Salamanca. So…in light of this exciting news, we felt it most important that we let you know all of our insider’s tips on visiting this much loved city!
Salamanca is known for many things but arguably it is most famous for being home to the Spanish language. It’s said that the ‘purest’ Spanish, known as Castilian, is spoken here with no regional accents which makes Salamanca a very popular place to study Spanish. However, it is not only language students who flock to study here. The city is steeped in academic history as the University of Salamanca is known to be one of the oldest in Europe and it’s therefore not surprising that you will find a thriving student community and a great international mix of people.
Salamanca is unlike any other Spanish city. Its unique look and feel comes not only from the golden sandstone from which much of the city is built but 
also from the diverse architecture that is to be found. With a Gothic Cathedral, a Romanic Cathedral and Renaissance palaces, Salamanca really is a melting pot of architectural gems. If you’re looking to socialise, the place to be in Salamanca is Plaza Mayor. It is considered not only to be one of the most beautiful plazas in the city but in the whole of Spain. The ‘old city’ of Salamanca, for which Plaza Mayor is the heart, was acclaimed as a UNESCO Heritage site in 1988.
Salamanca is authentic and charming, yet the diversity of current nationalities that are living and studying there allow also for a more international vibe. It’s definitely not a city to be overlooked if you are planning on visiting Spain soon!
If you would like more information on learning the Spanish language in the city of Salamanca, visit our Salamanca School and Course information page or contact us directly.
Want to explore this wonderful ‘golden’ city?
5 must-sees in Salamanca!
- (1)
The Cathedral of Salamanca – You will actually find that Salamanca has 2 cathedrals. The old cathedral and the new cathedral. Both are located in the same place and both have something different to offer so we recommend you take time to be awestruck by both of their beauty. The old cathedral is a Romanesque church built in the 12th and 13th centuries and contains important Romanesque art, medieval murals and tombs. The ‘new’ Cathedral actually began construction in 1513. It impresses with its enormous stone pillars and columns and the rooftop walkways also provide you with superb views of the City.
- (2) Plaza Mayor. Constructed in the mid 1800s, Plaza Mayor is a space created for the purpose of public gathering and that’s exactly what it is used for. The Plaza is always full of life and people chatting and grabbing a quick coffee or ice-cream, so it’s a great place to go and meet new people. It is also stunningly beautiful, built in the traditional Spanish baroque style. Plaza Mayor is located in the centre of the City of Salamanca.
(3) Casa Lis, is home to the Museum of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, one of the most popular museums in the Castilla-Leon region. Casa Lis opened in 1995 and now shows more than 2500 items. The building itself is a work of art with a dazzling stained glass ceiling and exterior, constructed in love of Art Nouveau.
- (4) Casa de las Conchas. The ‘house of shells’ is now a public library but was once the home of a knight of the Santiago order, for which a shell is the emblem. Built in the 1500s in a mix of Gothic and Plateresque styles, this buildings unusal façade, which contains over 300 shells, has made it famous.
(5) Van Dyck. La calle Van Dyck is a street in Salamanca that is famed for its tapas. There you will find a plethora of restaurants all serving the best tapas you will find in the city. It’s the perfect place to go with friends and family in the early evening for a drink and to mix with not only tourists but with the locals who will tell you this is the place to go if you want real Spanish food at a bargain price.
Do you want to feel like a local?
- (*) Go to Plaza Mayor, grab a chair, watch the wonderful world go by.
- (*) Listen to la “dulzaína,” a reed instrument popular in Castilla-León.
- (*) Head to the flea market El Rastro on a Sunday & find a bargain with the “Salmantinos”.
If you still want more information about travelling to Salamanca, then visit our Salamanca Travel Information page.
