20 | Portugal River Voyage Guide
Despite its relatively small proportions,
the medieval city of Salamanca, located in
northwestern Spain, has long been sought
after. Since the 3rd century BC, when Hannibal
sieged the city and made it his westernmost
outpost, it has been fought over and prized
by the Romans, Visigoths, Moors, Spanish
Empire, Revolutionaries, Golden Age, and
now, UNESCO, who have made it a World
Heritage Site. Known as "La Dorada" or "The
Golden City" due to the glow of its sandstone
structures, Salamanca today plays host to the
oldest university in Spain and one of the oldest
in the World, the Universidad de Salamanca.
Salamanca's honey-coloured architecture is
best sampled from Plaza Mayor, built between
1729 and 1755, it is widely considered to be
Spain's most beautiful central plaza. Once
you've perused the arcaded walkways, Town
Hall, and Royal Pavilion, dive into the back alleys
for the less lauded beauty of intricate cobbled
streets.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
As with most Spanish cities, religion is
omnipresent. Salamanca's two cathedrals
are contrasting and dominant landmarks –
the Gothic Catedral Nueva (New Cathedral),
dating back to 1513, is the more striking, while
the medieval Catedral Vieja de Santa María
(Old Cathedral) offers a more atmospheric
experience.
No visit to Salamanca is complete without a
stop by one of the oldest universities in the
world, the Universidad de Salamanca, founded
in 1218. Offering a visual feast, the University's
SA L A M A NC A C ATHEDR A L
With some substantial history, intellectual clout and a buzzing
student population in its midst, a visit to the magical city of
Salamanca is part of our 10-day Portugal voyage
A day in
SALAMANCA
Salamanca
