Museum of Art Nouveau & Art Deco

You can’t miss this museum. It is made of jewel-like colored glass which is absolutely gorgeous when the sun hits it. It is the most popular museum in the Castilla y León region and stands at the very heart of Salamanca.

The museum was built at the 20th century, and showcases a wide and interesting spectrum of art nouveau and art deco works. There are several porcelain figures, jewelry, furniture, lamps, paintings and vases. Entrance is three euros for the general public, though students get a discounted price of two euros.

Salamanca Museum - Museum of Fine Arts

Salamanca is a centre of arts, and so it is only proper that it has a fine museum to showcase the works of the Spanish artists. Though the museum is small, and in no way can compete with the Louvre in terms of size of the collection, its pieces are amazing. It includes several archaeological finds, paintings, altar pieces, and sculptures, including the famous “Llanto” (which means cry) by Luis de Morales. The structure of the museum is interesting in itself and combines both Gothic and Renaissance elements. It is found on Patio de Escuelas. Entrance fee is 1.20 euros but students can enter for free.

International Art Center

The focus of this museum is modern and contemporary art. The museum has rotating exhibits and often borrows from other museums. Some of its coups are the original works of Pablo Picasso. The museum is located at Plaza España, 5-6, Edif. Entrance is also free.

University Museum

The University Museum is known for its astounding exhibits of clerical robes and artwork, but most of all, for the actual structure. It is one of the oldest universities in the world and was lavishly decorated under the patronage of the royal family, who were loyal and generous supporters. Be sure to take lots of pictures of the arches of the patio and the preparatory school, and pay special attention to the ceiling frescoes. Some rooms are decorated in the Mudejar (Moorish-influenced) style while there are those that feature clear influences from the Renaissance. Going to the University involves a fee of four euros, but this includes entrance to the museum.

Every year, Salamanca attracts over 60,000 students from different countries in the world. They come here to finish their degrees at the esteemed University of Salamanca, one of the oldest universities in Europe, and once considered one of the four pillars of learning (right up there with Oxford and the Ecole de Paris). Others come here to learn Spanish. What better way to master a language than in the country where only the purest Castilian is spoken, surrounded by people who love the culture and are more than willing to introduce you to the great works of Spanish literature?

And, of course, there is the fun Salamanca vibe. Even if it is a historical town, it is not dreary and dusty. When the sun sets the famous Salamanca night life begins, with its discos, bars, clubs and restaurants.

But many students here are just drawn here by the fact that it is one of the most warm and pleasant places to learn. There is a sense of intellectual respect and cultural openness, found in a small time vibe where everyone is eager to help and make friends.

Because of its long tradition as a centre of learning, the academic atmosphere is firmly entrenched. It has many museums and libraries and the faculty are highly respected and sought after. To earn a degree in Salamanca opens many doors to you because the world perceives you as one of the best.

The place is also very safe, and everyone makes an effort to welcome foreign students. The Salmantinos, as the locals call themselves, go out of their way to help you get settled.

And you will learn a lot more in Salamanca because the learning doesn’;t end in the classroom. The place was awarded the distinction of being the European Capital of Culture in 2002. This is one very concrete proof of the rich cultural dimension you can find here, created by its rich history, its intellectual vibe, and the inherent personality of its people. This makes Salamanca one of the best cities to study in.

Another thing that may attract foreign students is that it’s easy to take weekend vacations because of its proximity to key cities like Madrid, Ávila, León, Oporto, Lisbon, Cáceres, etc…

The great and beautiful city of Salamanca traces its beginnings to the second century BC. Its first inhabitants were the Celtic tribes. The Romans were eventually able to wrestle control and united the different villages under the Empire. When the Empire fell, Salamanca fell into the hands of the Moors. These rules stayed in power for several centuries, and the Islamic influences can be seen in the architecture and some of the crafts and customs.

When the Catholic Kings regained control of Salamanca it became part of the territories of Alfonso VI. This occurred in 1085. The royal family helped propel Salamanca into a centre of learning. Alfonso IX named it a university town in 1218. Since then it has been highly respected among academic circles as one of the best places to earn a degree.

Perhaps because its university heritage drew some of Europe’s intellectuals, from painters to poets to scientists, Salamanca quickly became a centre of culture as well. The architecture, the arts and the fine craftsmanship was amazing. In fact, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage City.

Some of the key features are the amazing Salamanca sandstone buildings, which have a golden tinge due to the way the sand stone would age over time. The buildings are counted as some of the best examples of Renaissance architecture. Visitors should make time to see the University of Salamanca,one of the oldest universities in the continent (it was established in 1218), the many , major Cathedrals and a Roman bridge.

Salamanca’s strong educational foundational attracts many students a year, who in turn have imbued the town with a youthful and energetic vibe. The night life is fun but also affordable, as the restaurants and bars offer menus that are friendly towards student budgets. There are also numerous coffee shops where they meet to talk about ideas, unwind after classes, or get together with friends.

It is also possible to visit other major cities from Salamanca. Within easy access are Madrid, Ávila, León, Oporto, Lisbon, Cáceres, etc…