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book a Spanish Course in Salamanca
The ancient university town of Salamanca,
lying on the River Tormes, is one of Spain's most graceful cities.
With Gothic cathedrals, Romanesque churchs and the Plaza Mayor,
widely considered Spain's grandest Plaza, Salamanca is a feast
of architectural grandeur.
History
Originally the city was an important staging
post along the Silver route from the mines in northern Spain
to the south. The city regularly changed hands for a period
of 400 years after the Muslim invasion of Spain. The founding
of the University in 1218 was a key point in the city's history.
By the end of the 15th century it was the equal of Oxford and
Bologna and one of the most important areas for artistic activity
in Spain. By the 17th century though, the city was following
the rest of Castilla into decline and this decline was not helped
by the Napoleonic invasion which took place at the beginning
of the 19th century. Since then however, Salamanca has regained
much of its former prestige and become a major destination for
students from all over the world.
Climate
Andalucia is very hot in high summer, with
temperatures rising to 35°C. In Madrid and Salamanca it
is slightly cooler, although temperatures can climb above 30°
C in July and August.
City Sights
The Plaza Mayor
The focal point of the city, the Plaza Mayor was built between
1729 and 1755. Bullfights were held in the Plaza until well
into the 19th century and the medallions around the plaza bear
the busts of a variety of famous people.
Catedral Nueva
This late Gothic cathedral dominates the city, and the wonderful
Renaissance doorways are worth a particular mention. Its dome
can be seen from almost anywhere in Salamanca.
The cathedral is open daily from 10am to 1pm and from 4pm to
6pm.
Catedral Vieja
Started in 1120, this cathedral came before Cathedral Nueva.
Inside, the cloister was largely ruined in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake,
but in the Capilla de San Bartolome you can still admire one
of Europe's oldest organs.
The Catedral Vieja opens daily from 10am to 12.30pm and from
4pm to 5.30pm.
The University
Although founded in 1218, actually became a university in 1254
and was most famous during the 15th and 16th century. A particular
highlight is its exterior of the university with its sandstone
tapestry of religious scenes, coats of arms and mythical heroes.The
university can be visited Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 1.30pm
and from 4pm to 7.30pm. At the weekend it is only open in the
morning.
Day Trips
Madrid
The capital is only 2 hours away by bus, and like any other
European capital is a cosmopolitan mix of culture and life.
Ciudad Rodrigo
Less than an hour's journey from Salamanca, is a quiet old town
and the final stop on the way out of Spain to Portugal.
Sierra de Francia
Situated on the northern edge of the Province of Extremadura,
is another good possibility for a day out.
Segovia
The ridge-top city, directly east of Salamanca, is an old walled
city with a Roman aqueduct, and the town has much to see, not
least the old cathedral completed in 1577.
Activities
Shopping
The main shopping areas are located adjacent to the Plaza Mayor
at the opposite end to the old town. However, everything is
within easy walking distance.
Special Events
Easter Semana Santa
This traditional religious procession takes place throughout
Spain between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday.
Where Can I Find The……?
Tourist Office
The main tourist office is on Plaza Mayor and is open daily
from 9am to 2pm and from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
Post and Communications
The main post office is on Gran Via 25. There is also a telephone
office on Plaza Mayor, near the tourist office, which is open
daily from 8.30am to 11.30pm.
The telephone code for the Province is 923
Medical and Emergency Services
Close to the centre. The Hospital Clinico Universitario (Tel:291100)
is on Paseo de San Vicente 58-182. There is a police station
(comisaria) on Ronda de Sancti Spiritus, 8, and in a medical
emergency call for an ambulance at the Cruz Roja (Tel:222222),
Plaza de San Benito s/n
Banks
There are a wide range of banks and cash machines available
throughout the city. American Express can be found on Plaza
Mayor 11 and is represented by Viajes Salamanca.
Airport Transfers
There is no International airport in Salamanca.
If you are flying into Madrid, you can either take a bus or
go by train to the city. The bus from Madrid takes about two
hours and there are frequent services throughout the day. The
Auto Res bus station in Madrid on Calle de Fernandez Shaw,1
has buses to Salamanca. The nearest metro station is Conde de
Casal. Trains normally depart from Madrid's Chamartin station
in the north of the city. There are at least five daily and
the journey takes about three hours.
To
book a Spanish Course in Salamanca
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