Lying 204km to the north west of Madrid and 118km from the border with Portugal, Salamanca is the liveliest town of old Castile thanks to its large student population. Salamanca university dates back to around 1220 and became one of the world's principal seats of learning alongside Oxford, Paris and Bologna. Today it is a magnet for foreign language students learning Spanish.
Salamanca's monuments are constructed of sandstone which makes the whole city seem to glow brightly as the sun sets. Certainly this is one of Spain's most architecturally beautiful cities. The Plaza Mayor is considered the finest in the country and you'll find yourself hanging around its many cafes watching the world go by at least once during your visit.
The main attractions beside the various University buildings include its two Cathedrals, a fine Roman bridge, La Casa de las Conchas which is a house decorated with 350 shells as well as a variety of ancient Renaissance buildings scattered around the historical central district.
There is no international airport nearby so the main access is via Madrid from where there are plenty bus and train services as well as excursions for day trippers.
Salamanca's monuments are constructed of sandstone which makes the whole city seem to glow brightly as the sun sets. Certainly this is one of Spain's most architecturally beautiful cities. The Plaza Mayor is considered the finest in the country and you'll find yourself hanging around its many cafes watching the world go by at least once during your visit.
The main attractions beside the various University buildings include its two Cathedrals, a fine Roman bridge, La Casa de las Conchas which is a house decorated with 350 shells as well as a variety of ancient Renaissance buildings scattered around the historical central district.
There is no international airport nearby so the main access is via Madrid from where there are plenty bus and train services as well as excursions for day trippers.
Transport
In the absence of a nearby international airport Madrid is the gateway to Salamanca.
There are about 5 daily services from Madrid's Chamartin Station (check timetables at www.renfe.es) via Avila which take around 2 hours. The station is northeast of the city centre on Paseo de la Estación de Ferrocarril which is a 15 minute walk into town. Frequent services also operate from Valladolid.
There are many bus services from Madrid which take up to 3 hours. The bus station is to the north east of the centre on Avenida de Filiberto Villalobos which is again about a 15 minute hike. Avila, Valladolid, Leon and Caceres are also well connected by bus.
If you're arriving by road you take the A6 A Coruña road out of Madrid then cross to Avila on the N110 then take the N501 into Salamanca. The N620 continues on into Portugal.
If you don't have time to spend out this way there are day excursions from Madrid to Salamanca and Avila.
The tourist office on Plaza Mayor can give you the latest transport timetables.
More Information:
Salamanca Top Popular Hotels
Salamanca Top Tourist Attractions
Salamanca Map
More Information:
Salamanca Top Popular Hotels
Salamanca Top Tourist Attractions
Salamanca Map
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