Spain is always a safety: if you want a trip full of culture, fun and good food, read the post and book a flight to Salamanca!
Salamanca, a Spanish city, is located in the Autonomous Community of Castile and Leòn, a few km from the border with Portugal and 220 km from Madrid.
The Salamanca airport only makes connections within the country therefore the nearest airport is Madrid. Instead it is very easy to reach it by train from other cities in the country.
It is famous for its university, the oldest in Spain, which populates the city every year with students from all over the world. It is therefore a young and lively city.
Salamanca is also historically called "Roma la chica" that is "Little Rome" because it is located on three hills instead of seven like those of Rome.
Among the best known symbols of the city there is a frog depicted above a skull. It is located on the facade of the historic university. Given its small size, it is not easy to spot. According to popular legend, it brings luck to the person who finds it without external help: or he can get married within a year; or will return to Salamanca; or will pass all the exams.
Here are seven places not to be missed in Salamanca
1. The New Cathedral
The New Cathedral (Catedral Nueva) of 1500, a national symbol, in Gothic style, is impressive and evocative. On the main door there are two strange and particular sculptures: an astronaut navigating in space and a dragon holding an ice cream cone, works by Jerónimo Garcia who added them during the restoration work in 1992 as symbols of the twentieth century.
2. The Old Cathedral
The Old Cathedral (Catedral Vieja de Santa Maria) - also from 1500 - is one of the main Catholic places of worship, inside which there is an altarpiece by a Florentine artist and climbing to the top you can admire a wonderful view from high of Salamanca.
3. Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor, one of the most beautiful squares in Spain, is the center of urban life and is often the site of markets and shows. I recommend visiting it especially in the evening when it is illuminated.
4. Calle Toro
From Plaza Myor you can continue on Calle Toro - the shopping street - along which there are an infinity of trendy shops: very popular with both citizens and tourists.
5. Casa de la Conchas
The Casa de la Conchas is a very famous and particular building in the Gothic style. The facade is covered with shells and inside there is the public library.
6. Art Noveau Museum
The Art Noveau museum is an original museum with a rich and varied collection, don't miss the wonderful stained glass windows.
7. Roman Bridge
Finally, it remains to visit the beautiful Roman Bridge (Puente Mayor del Tormes) which is located on the Tormes River.
Not just visits: eating and drinking in Salamanca
A fundamental stop are the various bars to taste the famous ones Tapas it's a Beer, while for dinner there are many restaurants with typical products such as Carne de Mourcha, Jamon de Guijuelo Salt Chanfaina e Los Farinatos and of course the famous Churros with chocolate.
One place that I recommend to enjoy both Tapas and Churros is Las Tapas de Gonzalo, right under the arcades of the Plaza Mayor.
Salamanca is a lively and original town, full of youth and tourism; my advice is to get lost in the streets of the city savoring every little historical detail of this wonderful place.
