Salamanca

Architectural details add artistic grace to this small university city, and its small size makes it a pleasure to visit on foot. Walking along the streets the visitor sees these details at every turn, a sampler of various styles. The Gothic New Cathedral bristles with pinnacles and stone carvings, and has inside several associations with El Cid, including the statue he carried into battle. More exquisite is the smaller adjacent Old Cathedral, a Romanesque gem with beautifully carved capitals and a magnificent altarpiece. Each of the chapels has its own treasure – Medieval frescoes, unique vaulting and art. The university itself is worth ...

Architectural details add artistic grace to this small university city, and its small size makes it a pleasure to visit on foot. Walking along the streets the visitor sees these details at every turn, a sampler of various styles. The Gothic New Cathedral bristles with pinnacles and stone carvings, and has inside several associations with El Cid, including the statue he carried into battle. More exquisite is the smaller adjacent Old Cathedral, a Romanesque gem with beautifully carved capitals and a magnificent altarpiece. Each of the chapels has its own treasure – Medieval frescoes, unique vaulting and art. The university itself is worth touring for its splendid carved staircase, historic lecture halls, cloister and ceilings. Its intricate facade is a fine example of the Plateresque style. Two convents – Las Dueñas and Santa Clara – are near the cathedrals, as is San Esteban, notable for its facade, cloister and high altar. But the outstanding art and architecture are not the end of Salamanca’s charms. Just strolling in its neighborhoods is a pleasure.

About the Expert

Barbara Radcliffe Rogers has written or coauthored more than 30 guidebooks, including The Portugal Traveler, Drive Around Portugal, City Spots Munich, City Spots Helsinki, City Spots Stockholm, Eating New England, and the Maine section of Thomas Cook's Independent Traveller USA.