Walking Tour of Salamanca, Spain

We did a part of the walking tour of Salamanca at night, when the old town was lit up beautifully. We planned the walk along several historical monuments. Below is the pic of grand Plaza Mayor of Salamanca lit up at night.

Plaza Mayor night

Walking Tour of Salamanca

We walked down the street Calle Compania at night, I was amazed at the first monument I saw, the façade of it was covered with shells. It is the Casa de Las Conchas, or “The House of Shells”. A 15th century building, it never fails to attract every tourist there. The walls are covered with 300 shells approx. It houses the Salamanca public library and Information office.

house of Shells SalamancaHouse of shells walking tour of salamanca

To the right was La Clerecia. A huge monument and the gap between the two monuments is just a ‘not so wide lane. It was built in the 17th century and served as church and college. Clerecía Church was originally known as the Royal College of the Company of Jesus. Now this monument is headquarters of Salamanca Pontificia University.

Walking tour Salamanca

Colegio de Anaya

It is also known as the Palace of Anaya was built in 1762. The wide staircase and four large pillars crowned with triangular pediment makes it look grand. The building belongs to the Faculty of Languages. You can go in for free and explore the courtyard and staircase and open rooms. The walking tour of Salamanca was worthwhile, the best decision we took while we were there.

Colegio de Anaya

Cathedrals Old and Newof Old Town of Salamanca

To enter the Old Cathedral you have to pass through the New Cathedral. The Old Cathedral is 12th century Romanesque architecture while the newer one constructed during 1513 to 1733 and is a mix of different architectural styles. The cathedral has ornate front door and the façade decorated as if with delicate filigree! Very short walk from here along Calle Calderón de la Barca then Calla Liberos we reached the University of Salamanca.

Cathedral Salamanca

University of Salamanca

It is the oldest university in the whole of Spain, has the most beautiful facade of Salamanca. In fact this monument is the City’s most treasured jewels. It is said Colombus came here for travel tips before he set off on voyage. Today students come here for summer programs. Can you guess what the little children are trying to do in front of the facade? Most students touring here for the first time search for a frog on one of the skulls in the facade. It is supposed to bring them good luck.

University of salamncaUniversity of salamnca 1

Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes de Salamanca

There is a permanent exhibition here covering archeology, ethonology and fine arts. Photography of displays is prohibited. The museum dates back to 1848. We casually walked into this place and found the interiors a green square-ish lawn with rooms running all around it, impressive pillars and simple designed arches over them.

Irish CollegeThough we saw so many of the historical monuments during our walking tour of Salamanca we did miss out a couple of them. One wrong turn in the lanes and we got off in a different direction.One particular monument I regret missing is Convento de San Esteban. Retracing steps would mean loosing out some time. I had to be content with these sights and pictures!

Here is a pinnable image for this post. Add it to your collection to help you plan a good walking tour around Salamanca, Spain.

Walking Tour of Salamanca Spain

 

Old Cathedral of Salamanca, Spain with Dazzling Interior
Stay in Plaza Mayor Salamanca: Best Experience in Spain

60 Responses to “Walking Tour of Salamanca, Spain

  • The House of shells at night looks amazing and the Palace of Anaya looks beautiful too. I am loving all those buildings with intricate designs and rich history. Lovely post and pictures as always

  • Ah I saw Salamanca in the title and thought you had visited my home town lol we have a Salamanca here in Tasmania too 🙂 Though not quite as incredible as the grand Plaza Mayor of Salamanca when lit up at night! It looks like an area very rich in history – I love historic architecture so this would be a fabulous walking tour for me – the cathedrals, and Palace of Anaya are just so stunning, and the university has such a beautiful façade. I’ll have to make it a goal to visit the other Salamanca now!

  • I am yet to visit Spain and most probably it will happen this year. Before I read your post on Salamanca was not even on my list of places to visit but the architecture looks so great. And, I am a huge fan of night tours. I would absolutely love to do it. Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes de Salamanca looks stunning.

  • Salamanca looks like a gorgeous city. I’ve never done a city tour at night, but it definitely brings its own magic to it, doesn’t it? Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes de Salamanca sounds like a museum I would love to visit as well!

  • Looks gorgeous at night. Spain is so pretty. Beauty everywhere. Plaza Mayor lit up is really nice. I would really like to visit and see the architecture in person.

  • First time I saw the exterior of a building designed with shells. Salamanca has great architecture. I imagine a night tour is advisable especially when it’s too hot during the day. And you get to see the city in a new perspective.

  • Wow, this architecture is amazing and especially beautiful illuminated at night!

  • Carol Colborn
    6 years ago

    Those first three photos of Plaza Mayor de Salamanca, Casa de las Conchas, and La Clerecia are spectacular: Now I would like to take photos of great architecture at night!

  • Salamanca is one of my favourite Cities in Spain – I’ve visited several times. I love the architecture – especially the cathedral. And, the food there is amazing too!

  • This is the most amazing part of towns and cities in Spain. Walking around and seeing some of the lovely architecture is such a good way to spend a day.

  • I love del guided walking tours, and Salamanca is one of the few Spanish cities I’ve not been to, so this makes me excited to see it one day! The museum sounds quite interesting for a bit of history and art.

  • What a unique building with all those shells, I have always wanted to visit this city and university. Thanks for sharing those highlights.

  • I always love the evening light on a brown/creamish wall against the night sky. I like the way organised tours are present for most structures. I wish India takes some of this into account as we could do a better job at preserving stories from yesteryear. Any particular reason, Indrani for the shells being part of the walls?

  • The kids in their uniform just caught my eye! Love to see them too, I hope when I come to Europe! Walking tour is always a good way to explore a place! Though sometimes it can be hot and tiring!

  • I stayed in Salamanca for few years. You covered major areas of the historical part of Salamanca walking guide tour. As you said you missed out the Convento de San Esteban which could be also a nice add up but nevertheless you can always come back anytime to finish up. Salamanca is a beautiful little city to tour around. Great post!

  • The intricate designs on the moments were impressive! You are blessed for witnessing such creation, and missing out on some places is one reason to come back for more in Spain!

  • The stucco buildings and delicately carved facades of the buildings of Salamanca tell me that most of the world buildings from Spain to at least India have similar designs. Well, almost similar. What do you say?

  • Beautiful city and a wonderful walking tour. The palace looks grand. I have myself been writing about my own walking tours across Europe after my recent visit. Must admit, these self planned walking tours are the best way to explore any country in Europe

  • Palace of Anaya looks really grand and I loved reading the history behind it. Actually I liked reading the entire blog because it was dotted with historical anecdotes that are tough to find! Thanks for sharing.

  • In just one word..the house of shells is Spectacular..and your photography has added to its beauty..and to admit Salamanca has a great architecture

  • so many sites to see! i must say the architecture is indeed stunning… so tourists should not miss turns or should be in the right direction to be able to see everything.. would definitely pin this post. this is a helpful guide!

  • That architecture is stunning! I’ve really got to make it to Spain soon!

  • Never been to Salamanca, but when I do I’ll definitely visit the casa de las conchas!! I absolutely adore seashells so that would be super cool for me 😀

  • The architecture looks amazing! I’m just starting to plan a trip to Spain for next fall. Will have to look into adding Salamanca to the itinerary.

  • When I think of Salamanca, the University of Salamanca comes to mind. I’ve never been, but it looks like a beautiful city to visit. I’m sure you learned a lot about the history of the city on the walking tour. Those are such a great source of information..

  • Wonderful city, full of rich history. As a student, I will try to do whatever that would bring me good luck, even if it means to search for a frog.

  • The story of the school children is interesting. When I was on caving expedition in Belize, we paid particular attention to the frog pots. In almost every cave, there was one and only one pot with a frog figure molded onto the lip. The story goes that the Mayans would cast this frog pot as a good luck talisman. I wonder how many frog luck charm legends there are in the world?

  • I love walking through cities and monuments at night when the lights are so dramatic. Such contrasts. Would love to follow in your footsteps.

  • Looks like you’ve done a great job of seeing some great places. Taking a wrong turn is something I always love.

  • How neat- it’s definitely charming when lit up at night!

  • Hi! Im from Salamanca looking for a walking city tour for some friends and found your blog. I loved it!
    Thanks for sharing it! If you ever return I could show you some other amazing monuments!

    • Indrani Ghose
      8 years ago

      Hopefully some day Laura. Thank you for pausing to leave a comment. 🙂

  • Haven’t made it to Salamanca yet but it looks amazing! Love your post!

  • Still haven’t made it to Salamanca; it’s on my wish list 🙂

  • Wow, “The house of shells” seems very unusual. There’s so much you can see and do while on walking tour of a city. One of the best way to experience a new place.

  • A wonderful city beautifully represented by you 🙂

  • Another place to add during the next trip. Hopefully I will get time.

  • Nice touring on the monuments and cathedral! Simply liked the shells wall and the details captured on the façade of the university.

  • History of Spain is one of the most fascinating in all over world. The pictures are saying same!

  • Jyothi D'mello
    8 years ago

    The House of Shells is amazing. All monuments are beautifully captured Indrani.

  • Merci pour cet excellent reportage.
    Amitiés.

    Roger

  • Wonderful architecture! Thanks for including the details.

  • Lovely architecture! You narrated it very nicely and the house of shells is interesting

  • wow! This walking tour must be so fun. Gorgeous pictures 🙂

  • Wonderful captures!!

  • Thanks for sharing! That was an interesting “walk” through Salamanca.

  • great as always

  • I have decided that on our next trip to Europe we will be visiting Salamanca and the basque country. We missed both on our last trip in 2012. I keep on getting drawn there by reading blog posts like yours!

  • Lovely frames! The architecture looks great.

  • Old but beautiful monuments.

  • Beautiful Indrani

  • The place looks grand through your lens!

  • The architecture and the detailings are superb.

  • Lovely pictures. I liked the last one the most !!

  • Thanks for sharing less explored site. !

  • So beautiful pics and post.

  • Great pictures, nice info

  • Lovely shots. Those first three are stunning!

  • Hello, beautiful buildings and a lovely tour.Thanks for sharing your visit. Have a happy weekend!

  • Wonderful city and I’m embarrassed to admit, i had never heard of it. Love the shell building and the kids in their school uniforms. Great place to walk and explore.

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