CASTILE REGION

The Castile region has four cities; Salamanca, Segovia, Avila and Toledo. The cities of Castile were once part of the Old Castile Kingdom. These cities can be reached by car, bus or train from Madrid, and these cities offers different sights. Each of these cities is on the UNESCO Heritage of Mankind cities list. The old parts of the cities display architecture from the earliest time and throughout the ages, you can easily forgo the cost of a museum ticket and just enjoy the city streets.

The Castilian region is full of castles, forts, museums, cathedrals. It is a well fortified region and many battles were fought, won and lost by the Visigoths, Moors and Christians.

The country side is typically Castilian, rural, flat and great agricultural land for raising pig, game, and sheep. The region experiences temperatures that vary widely and is hot during the summer months. The region also is famous for its wineries and red wine, particularly the Valladolid area near River Duero.

The Universidad de Salamanca is located in the pedestrian friendly old quarter, and was established in 1218 by Alfonso IX of Leon. It is Spain’s oldest university, and from the 13th century through the golden ages of the 17th century, the Universidad de Salamanca was one of Europe’s leading centres of learning.

The university has some very famous alumni, such as the philosopher Miguel de Unamuno, Saint John of the Cross and Cervantes.

The main building is the Patio de las Escuelas and is also called the Old University. It was built in 1415, but the facade was put on during the 16th century. Look around and the see the Catholic Kings, Ferdinand and Isabella, cherubs, animals and crests. Legend has it that if you find the tiny frog among the massive number of engravings, your nuptials will be had in the near future.

The main building is in an early Renaissance architectural style named, Planteresque. Patio de las Escuelas is considered the best example of Planteresque. The region is rich in an iron rich sandstone and the university buildings, and the buildings in the old quarter are built from this golden stone that glows. It is particularly beautiful at sunset. The Planteresque style is a very ornate style of Renaissance and involves engraving the stone in what appears to be very fine silver works techniques. The term Planteresque is actually taken from the Spanish word silversmith. With time, and age the stone takes on a granite like appearance and the intricate engravings are lovely to view.

Some of the lecture halls are plainer but are set up with the desks and chairs used during the medieval times. These were considered a luxury, in comparison to sitting on the floor which was common practice beforehand. The Escuelas Menores patio is a lovely place to relax, and enjoy the lawns and arches. There is value to be had in buying a combined museum entrance ticket. For a set price you can see three sights the museum at the Patio de las Escuelas, the Casa Lis (Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum) and the Colegio Fonseca (Irish College).

On buildings you will notice the word VICTOR this tradition started in the Middle Ages when graduating students would enter the bullring and using the blood of the bull sign their name and date it. The practice is said to bring good luck to the brave one.

Salamanca has many cathedrals but the most famous cathedral is actually two. The old cathedral was built in the 12th and 13th centuries and is Romanesque with some primitive Gothic. In comparison, the new cathedral is Gothic in architectural design and was built from the 16th century to 1733. You have to enter the new cathedral through the old cathedral, and the old cathedral is minuscule in size in comparison to the newer structure.

The old cathedral is best viewed from the Patio Chico, as it provides a lovely vantage point to appreciate the cathedral’s spires and architecture. Inside, the old cathedral has a magnificent alter piece from 1445 and it was created by Nicolas Florentino. This piece is a true highlight. The alter piece is featured on the High Alter and is made up of 53 painting depicting Christ’s life. The old cathedral cloisters showcase tombs and chapels and interesting carvings of gargoyes.

The new cathedral depicts Plateresque stone carvings and the entrance’s doorway is spectacular in it’s elaboration. The choir and the Cristo de las Batallas chapel are important to take notice of. The cathedral also has Churrigueresque architecture which was popularised during the 17th and 18th century, and was the work of three brothers Alberto, Jose, and Joaquin. The Churriguera brothers, born in Salamanca worked all through Spain’s colonies in the golden years, including Latin America. The architectural style is extremely elaborate Baroque and can be seen on alter pieces. Look out for the Torre del Gallo (Cock Tower) as this clearly stands out and is a notable Salamanca structure.

The Plaza Mayor is considered the loveliest plaza in Spain, it is also one of the biggest plazas and has Churrigueresque architecture. The Plaza Mayor is from 1733 and was built by Felipe V as a gift to the people for their support during the war of the Spanish Succession. The Plaza Mayor has many lovely buildings with Plateresque architecture. The town hall fronts the plaza, is from the 18th century, and has Baroque architecture.

The Plaza Mayor’s Royal Pavilion is also worth a visit and the Royal family used this building to watch the festivities held in the square. Once upon a time, bull fights were held in the plaza. Enjoy the plaza by resting at one of it’s cafes.

Other religious structures worthy of a visit are the Convento de San Esteban and the Convento de las Duenas. The 16th century, Convento de San Esteban has a beautiful Plateresque doorway and the alter piece was made by the Churriguera brothers. The Convento de las Dueñas has Plateresque architecture, is Gothic in style and has a cloister of Renaissance design.