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What Makes Salamanca Magical

An ancient university town, Salamanca is located in the Autonomous Community of Castilla and León in the western part of Spain. This old city was recognized as a heritage site of humanity by UNESCO in 1988, and is home to various art installations, architectural wonders, and historical artifacts. For this, Salamanca is often dubbed as “The Golden City”.

In the southwestern part of the city, the Roman Bridge across the River Tormes is where the adventure begins. Check out these great sights when you join European vegan cruises to experience the magic of Salamanca!

1. Plaza Mayor

A distinct artistic masterpiece in Baroque art, Plaza Mayor is the heart of Salamanca. Aside from Baroque art, a collection of Gothic, Romanesque, Moorish, and Renaissance architecture can also be found in this historical square, which serves as a testament to the rich history of the city.

Plaza Mayor, Salamanca

Restaurants, bars, and shops specializing in various cuisine, including vegan dishes, line the square. These establishments are iconic for their sandstone color, which takes on a golden glow at sunrise and sunset, making Salamanca “The Golden City”.

2. Museo Art Nouveau and Art Dec

Paintings, installations, and sculptures–name it, this grandiose museum has it.

This museum houses 19 exhibits dedicated to the period of Art Nouveau which rose to prominence in Europe and the United States between 1890 and 1910. Jewelries and furniture from the 19th and 20th Century are also featured inside the museum.

Museum Art Nouveau y Art Déco Lis House. Photo: Imagen M.A.S.
museocasalis.org

Furthermore, the structure itself is a work of art. Stained-glass windows and ceilings adorn the Modernist building, making it a head turner for anyone visiting Salamanca.

3. Catedral Vieja and Catedral Nueva

A glimpse of the past and a nod to the future–Catedral Vieja and Catedral Nueva translates to Old Cathedral and New Cathedral respectively.

Catedral Vieja was built in the 12th Century with heavy influence from the Romanesque style.  La Torre Del Gallo, a 110-meter clock tower, stands tall by the main structure of the Cathedral and is worth the climb despite the winding stairway for the best view in town.

Salamanca Plaza Church

Meanwhile, Catedral Nueva took two centuries to be constructed. No wonder, its architectural style is a blend of Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque, making it ahead of its generation. Today, this 16th Century structure is known for its unique carvings. In 1922, a sculpture of an astronaut was installed.

4. University of Salamanca

One of the oldest universities in Europe, the Pontifical University of Salamanca has molded the minds of historical icons such as Christopher Columbus, Hernán Cortes, Miguel de Cervantes, and Ignatius de Loyola.

Plateresque façade of the University facing a statue of Fray Luis de León.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Salamanca#/

Its main library is a wonderland for bookworms, with over 160,000 leather bound volumes from different generations. Also, its ceiling features the Cielo de Salamanca, a fresco painted by Fernando Gallego which shows constellations, planets, and astrological signs, a beautiful backdrop as you explore the literary collections.

Around the campus, several shops, boutiques, cafés and restaurants with iconic honey-coloured structures are found. Spanish delicacies, artisan pastries, vegan dishes, and mouthwatering delights are often the favourite meals of college students after a day in the classrooms and laboratories.

Truly, these are just some of the reasons why Salamanca is a magical place on Earth. While a magic carpet ride or a broomstick from Hogwarts might not be available today, surely, there are European vegan cruises for you to visit Salamanca!



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