Discover Salamanca by Hire Car
Salamanca, with a population of about 160,000 in an area of 30 square kilometres, is the capital of the province of the same name in the western part of Castile, Spain, near the Portuguese border.
Salamanca is extremely picturesque, located on the banks of the Rio Torres and about 220 kilometres northwest of Madrid.
Sights in Salamanca
Founded as early as 133 BC, the city developed over the centuries into a thriving trading center.
One highlight of Salamanca is certainly its university, which is the second oldest in the Kingdom of Spain, having been founded in 1218. Aside from the fact that the magnificent Spanish Renaissance building is worth seeing on its own, even the famous explorer Christopher Columbus spoke here when he was looking for sponsors for his excursion to India. What’s more, the 40,000 students give the venerable institution of the mind Salamanca a lively, charming flair, which is underlined by the numerous cafes and small bars.
In addition to two cathedrals dating from the 12th and 16th centuries, the ‘Plaza Mayor’ is particularly worth seeing. The former bullring is today not only one of the largest, but also one of the most beautiful squares in Spain. The “La Casa de las Conchas” also offers a fantastic view. Here, too, the typical architecture of the Spanish Renaissance can be found, but the special feature of the building consists of the approximately 300 shells, symbolising the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, which adorn the city palace.
Exploring the surroundings of Salamanca
With a hire car, don’t miss a detour to the Parador – state-owned hotels in Spain – of Salamanca, perched on a hill on the southern edge of the city, offering gorgeous views of the town.