The magical stones

Salamanca is known for what is called the Villamayor stone. This material has high levels of iron oxide. When it is first quarried it is quite malleable and easy to manipulate. However when it dries it is as durable as marble. Artisans craft this into coats of arms and décor and use it for elaborate spires and church features. Under the hands of a master stonesmason it can even be fashioned into filigree until it seems almost like silver.

The monasteries and mansions

The magical stones of Salamanca are imbued with even more romance and mystery when used as architectural elements of the mansions and monasteries. Many of these buildings have an amazing history and the tour guides can tell you about the battles, the struggles for power, and even the ghosts connected to them. Salamanca is also known for its Baroque and Renaissance architecture.

The festivals

Every February the people celebrate the Las Calendas and the Las Aguedas, as well as the Día de las Mayordomas. These are usually celebrated in the first week of the month. This is also the beginning of the canival season, but there are no fixed dates.

During Holy week the whole region is also thrown into religious celebrations. The dates vary, depending on when Easter will be held that year. Salamanca also has a unique celebration called Lunes de Aguas. This holiday honors the time the Ladies of Easy Virtue returned to the city, after being thrown out by Philip II during lent.

In June the city honors the patron saint, St. John of Sahagún. The festivities last for four days and includes feasts and dancing. On the 29th of the same month the Salamanca region also honors St. Peter and St. Paul.

In July is the much awaited Candelario, where there is much bullfighting. The novilladas is the amateur round, and revolves around the fights with the three year old bullocks and the new matadors. The encierros is the exciting running of the bulls through the streets of the city.

Then, in the middle of August is the feast of the La Ofrenda y loa de Nuestra Señora. This is when the famous mystery play is held, and the devil steps ot out of smoke and rockets.

In September people celebrate the piligrimage outing where people dress in traditional peasant clothing.

Salamanca,one of Spain’s most charming places, is found in the Castilla y Leon province. This is in the central western section of Spain. Salamanca is very near the capital, Madrid, being just a two hour drive, and Portugal is just an hour away.

Salamanca has a little over 160,000 people. The temperatures are generally comfortable, though dry; during winter there is a lot of rain. (It is still significantly warmer than the rest of Europe, however, so if you hate the cold, consider a trip to Salamanca.)

Salamanca is known as one of Spain’s university towns. In a given year, over forty thousand people study there, and the sheer concentration of young and carefree teenagers help add to the place’s fun and energetic vibe. The University of Salamanca is a revered institution. Established in 1218, it was one of the four lights of the world, producing some of the world’s most brilliant thinkers, and staffed by an esteemed faculty. It is the third oldest university in the continent.

Salamanca is also known as a centre of culture, and the architecture and monuments are a testimony to the thriving arts scene in its heyday. One of the key features of the buildings here is the famous golden sandstone. Called the Villamayor stone, it has a gorgeous yellow tinge that deepens over time. Walking though the streets of Salamanca is often like walking back through time, surrounded by historical buildings that seem to glimmer in the sun. In fact, Salamanca was named one of the European Capitals of Culture and was awarded the distinction of being a UNESCO heritage site.

However Salamanca is no dreary museum town. The place feels very modern, not in small part to the high concentration of young students. There are many bars, discos, restaurants, and a thriving night life where the fun really begins when the sun sets. That’s why the place attracts many tourists who are eager to look at the historic buildings but also want some “action” after a long day of culture, art, and history.

The Alhambra

This is located at Calle Real. From April to October it is open all days of the week from 8.30 to 20.00. During the winter, which runs from November to March, it is open all days of thew eek from 8.30 to 18.00.

This important attraction was built in 1238 by the Nazaris. It was originally intended to be a combination of a fortress and residential area. That is why it was constructed on the strategic hill top location, at the Sierra Elvira in Granada. Today the Alhambra is found in a small and picturesque town full of gorgeous gardens and lavish decorations.

The Alhambra was expanded over several centuries as the ruling parties constructed more and more buildings next to the original fortress. For example the Generalife palace was built in the fourteenth century alongside the Alhambra. It was used as the home of the kings and was suitably bedecked in the most lavish furniture. Today the Moorish architecture, sculptures and gardens are truly a cultural treasure. You can buy the tickets ahead of time at the BSCH banks.

The Cathedral

The Cathedral is found at the Gran Vía 5. and is open from 10.30 to13.30 and 16.00 to 19.00 from Mondays to Saturdays, and from 16.00 to19.00 on Sundays.
The cathedral was built at the behest of the Catholic Kings, approximately around 1503. This was after they had defeated the Moors. The architect responsible for the construction was the great San Juan Evangelista who chose to combine elements from Gothic and Renaissance styles. The catholic kings were eventually laid to rest in 1521 at the Cathedral’s royal chapel.

Royal Chapel

This is found at Oficios 3 at the northern part of the Cathedral. During April to October it is open from 10.30 to 13.00 and 16.00 to 19.00 from Mondays to Sundays. During Sundays, however, it is open from 11.00 to 13.00 and 16.00 to 19.00. During the winter the opening hours are shorter. From Monday to Saturday you can visit it at 10.30 to 13.00 and 15.30 to 18.30. On Sundays, its doors are open from 11.00 to 13.00 and 15.30 to18.30.

The Chapel was built in the 1500s and holds the tombs of the Catholic Kings. Its walls also display the works of Van der Weyden and interesting cultural artficats such as the crown of Queen Isabel and the sword of Fernando.