Salamanca - Love every street corner

Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is located in western Spain, about a 3-hour drive from Madrid. Over 2,000 years old, it boasts a massive architectural complex spanning the Roman, Roman, and medieval periods, encompassing numerous structures such as churches, monasteries, squares, castles, mansions, and the old town. Beyond its ancient architecture, Salamanca offers many other attractions, including its cuisine, art, handicrafts, and unique souvenirs. However, perhaps the vibrant atmosphere, influenced by the rich cultural heritage of this ancient city, is what truly captivates visitors – something difficult to describe but only truly felt through firsthand experience.

To explore the old town of Salamanca, visitors need at least two days to avoid missing out on the iconic experiences of this ancient city.

Plaza Mayor

This square is the first destination, the center, or arguably the heart, of Salamanca. Every visitor wants to take a selfie here. Plaza Mayor, built in the early 18th century, is the city's central square, a rectangular area surrounded on all four sides by three-story buildings characteristic of Baroque architecture, and one of the largest squares in Europe. Real estate here commands some of the highest rental or ownership prices in Spain. The ground floor mainly houses restaurants and cafes, while the upper floors are used for offices, craft shops, fashion boutiques, and even private apartments. Spending hours strolling around the square, admiring the typical Baroque architecture, enjoying the unique performances of street artists, sipping coffee, and waiting for the sun to set to experience the magical glow of the lights are experiences visitors shouldn't miss at Plaza Mayor.

Casa de las Conchas

The Maldonado family mansion, built between 1493 and 1517, is a massive, walled estate adorned with hundreds of carved sandstone shells on its facade. This vast estate has been remarkably well-preserved and now houses a library and a section open to tourists.

Celerecia y Universidad Pontificia

Over 800 years old, this university ranks 3rd among the top 10 oldest universities in the world. One of its famous alumni is the renowned writer Miguel de Cervantes, author of "Don Quixote"—a novel familiar to Vietnamese readers. Walking through the tranquil campus, one feels as if they've stepped back into the Middle Ages. It's easy to spot familiar scenes reminiscent of Hogwarts in the "Harry Potter" films, with its soaring classrooms, long, dark, and deep corridors, and lecture halls with rows of antique leather-upholstered chairs. Don't forget to climb the Clerecia Tower; from there you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the beautiful ancient city of Salamanca with its countless buildings and mansions.

New - Old Cathedral

The pair of churches are the pride of the people of Salamanca. You certainly wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to admire the exquisite architecture, interior, and exterior of these two structures. The old church, built in the 12th century, is one of the oldest churches in Europe. The new church, situated next to the old one, was built in the 16th century in the predominantly Gothic architectural style. Both are priceless treasures, preserving numerous works of art, sculptures, murals, and more. The churches also contain many tombs and remains of prominent local figures from various periods.

Museum of Art Nouveau & Art Deco

Famous for its stunning yet eerie collection of dolls, the museum also displays works by the renowned painter Picasso, numerous collections of 19th-century crafts, art, and ceramics... The windows, walls, and roof of the museum are adorned with magnificent stained glass, which is also a major attraction for visitors.

Walking through the squares and street corners.

This ancient city boasts numerous squares, charming street corners, and beautiful cafes, all easily accessible on foot. Therefore, strolling through the old streets, beneath ancient pine trees, or simply relaxing in a café offers visitors a delightful experience. The most interesting place to walk in Salamanca is undoubtedly the Roman Bridge. This magnificent bridge, over 2,000 years old and built during the Roman era, features a proud bull symbol spanning the Tormes River and is a source of pride for the city's inhabitants.

Enjoy the divine wine, cheese, and Iberico.

What makes Salamanca cuisine so special? All visitors will agree on one thing: Iberico – cured ham. It's so special that you can order it at almost any restaurant in Salamanca. And if you're invited to dine here, cured ham will be the first dish served. Thinly sliced ​​cured ham, served with cheese and a glass of wine, is the perfect appetizer and is sure to be addictive. Along with Iberico, the region's wines are also a famous specialty due to its unique soil and climate.

Shopping in Salamanca

When shopping, you can use credit cards or euros; Salamanca (or Europe in general) does not accept USD. Despite being a popular tourist destination, Salamanca is not overly expensive. Fashion enthusiasts will surely regret not having enough time to browse the shops, especially those of Spanish brands like Zara, Mango, Pull & Bear, and Bershka. Iberico ham, ceramic or tin-plated Flamenco dancer figurines, and street art are among the most popular souvenirs purchased by tourists.

Overnight stay at a hotel in the Old Quarter.

The experience will be perfect if you spend at least one night at a hotel in the old town. Fall asleep in the ancient houses, feel the gentle rhythm as the 2,000-year-old city slumbers, and wake up with the city to enjoy a pristine, worry-free, and dust-free morning.

Additional information

Trip:

- The 5-star airline Qatar Airways has daily flights (one morning, one evening) from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Madrid (Spain). From Madrid, it takes just over 2 hours by bus to reach Salamanca. However, Qatar Airways flights from Vietnam to Madrid do not have direct flights; passengers must transit in Doha for approximately 2.5 hours.

- Qatar Airways was named "World's Best Airlines 2019" by Skytrax.

- Doha International Airport is one of the most modern and well-equipped airports in the world. It's also a popular check-in spot for tourists, featuring the giant golden Lamp Bear statue, valued at $7 million.

Climate: divided into two distinct seasons. Winters are cold, while summers are dry and hot, with outdoor temperatures potentially exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. Summer days are long, with the sun usually setting after 9 PM, making it ideal for tourism.

Accommodation:The EUROSTARS LAS CLARAS hotel in the Old Town (Calle de la Marquesa de Almarza, 37001 Salamanca) is a great place to stay for travelers.

Cuisine:Don't miss the chance to enjoy traditional Spanish dishes at the Michelin-starred restaurant Don Mauro (open from 1:30 PM) located right on Plaza Mayor.

Money:Use the Euro

Other notes:

- Salamanca is a popular location for weddings, engagements, and wedding photoshoots. Many weddings take place here on weekends.

- Hola is a word used for informal greetings.

- Nearby tourist attractions that are convenient for the trip: Segovia (World Heritage City), Madrid.

- Take some time to visit the Hacienda Zorita winery. As a long-established wine producer, Hacienda is also a beautiful and attractive tourist destination offering resort services including tours, wine tastings, and lunch/dinner.

Phuong Le - Photo: Quang Vinh