Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights & Activities
UNIVERSIDAD CIVIL
(Calle de los Libreros; adult/child €4/2, free Mon morning; 9.30am-1pm &
4-6.30pm Mon-Sat, 10am-1pm Sun; )
The visual feast of the entrance facade to
Salamanca's university is a tapestry in sandstone, bursting with images of mythical
heroes, religious scenes and coats of arms. It's dominated in the centre by busts of
Fernando and Isabel. It's the elusive frog that draws the crowds (finding the frog
sculpted into the facade without help leads to good luck and even marriage within a
year), but don't let that distract you from the overall magnificence.
University
CATEDRAL NUEVA
(Plaza de Anaya; 9am-8pm)
The tower of the late-Gothic Catedral Nueva
lords over the centre of Salamanca, its compelling
churrigueresco
(ornate style of
baroque) dome visible from almost every angle. It is, however, the magnificent
Renaissance doorways, particularly the
Puerta del Nacimiento
on the western
face, that stand out as one of several miracles worked in the city's native sand-
stone. The
Puerta de Ramos
, facing Plaza Anaya, contains an encore to the 'frog
spotting' challenge on the university facade. Look for the little astronaut and ice-
cream cone chiselled into the portal by stonemasons during recent restorations.
Inside, the most notable features include the elaborate choir stalls, main chapel
and retrochoir, all courtesy of the prolific José Churriguera. The ceilings are also ex-
ceptional.
Cathedral
CATEDRAL VIEJA
(admission €4.75; 10am-7.30pm)
Catedral Nueva's largely Romanesque prede-
cessor, the Catedral Vieja is adorned with an exquisite 15th-century altarpiece, with
53 panels depicting various scenes from the lives of Christ and Mary, topped by a
representation of the Final Judgment - it's one of the most beautiful Renaissance
altarpieces outside Italy.
Cathedral
Sleeping
MICROTEL PLACENTINOS €€
( 923 28 15 31;
www.microtelplacentinos.com
; Calle de Placentinos 9; s/d incl
breakfast €80/95;
Boutique Hotel
)
One of Salamanca's most charming boutique hotels, Mi-
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