Five visits that you can not miss in Salamanca

Salamanca, the oldest university city in Spain, is a destination that does not figure in the main tourist routes and that, nevertheless, is perfect for a cultural visit that entertains large and small.

Essentials of Salamanca

1. Cathedral. How not to start this list by naming the cathedral? The most majestic monument of Salamanca. A construction that began in 1513 and ended in 1733. More than two centuries of work to build this imposing building that is still very much alive. An example is the restoration of the year 1992, when it included an astronaut in the arch of its entrance as the signature of those responsible for this work.

A good opportunity to teach children a sample of how the past connects with the future. The youngest will learn how each artist leaves his indelible stamp on his work. We can take the opportunity to talk about life in the Modern Age, the organization of the guilds and the importance given to the construction of religious buildings.

2. The House of Shells. Building of smaller size of the cathedral but equally imposing. It is not difficult to understand why it has this name if one takes a simple look at the facade of this palace ordered to be built by the Catholic Monarchs. The Casa de las Conchas is a mystery in itself, either because the real reason why its exterior is decorated in this way or because of the legends it contains is unknown.

One of these legends states that under one of the shells is a gold coin. Another exposes that the jewels of the owner family are on the facade and that anyone who wants to find them must deposit a bond with the value of this treasure before looking for it. If you are lucky in your adventure, you will recover your deposit; otherwise, it will be ruined. You have to remind children that these stories are just stories that make these cities more interesting.

3. University of Salamanca. It has been underway since Alfonso IX de León inaugurated it almost 800 years ago. First educational institution in Europe to which Alfonso X El Sabio awarded him the title of University. One of the most emblematic buildings in the entire city. It was, is and will be one of the signs of our country's commitment to culture.

It also contains several legends such as one that says that one who finds the figure of a small frog carved on the facade of the Building of the Major Schools will succeed in their studies. A good opportunity to test the sight of the family, yes, we must remind the youngest that this is a legend and that when they return home they will have to study to approve even if they find the amphibian.

4. San Esteban Convent. Another of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Its impressive façade already warns the public of what is to be found inside. A magnificent construction where the cloister of the kings and the main altarpiece stand out, an impressive work that rises heading the main nave of the convent.

Tradition has it that Columbus was lodged in this convent when he traveled to Salamanca to discuss with geographers the viability of his trip to the Indies that ended up signifying the discovery of America. A history lesson that the little ones will take away while enjoying this building.

5. Roman bridge. Salamanca was already on the maps of the Roman Empire. Proof of this is its Roman bridge, which indicates the importance of this city during this time since this construction was part of the Via de la Plata, one of the three Roman roads that linked Emerita Augusta (Merida) with Cesar Augusta ( Saragossa).

A striking curiosity is that the main cities of the Roman routes are 60 kilometers apart. It was the space that the Roman legions could cross in a day of hard march.