Salamanca. Cultural tourist route in its historic center

From Europcar, we propose a route to discover all the secrets that the golden city holds and those emblematic places you cannot miss.

University of Salamanca

Did you know that, along with the University of Paris, Oxford, and Bologna, the University of Salamanca was one of the first in Europe? Today, it is the only Spanish university that remains active after 8 centuries. Approach the grand building and let yourself be surprised by the meticulous and exquisite decoration of its facade.

We propose a challenge! This imposing building holds hundreds of secrets and legends. Would you be able to find the frog on a skull on the facade? In the past, a rumor arose that students who managed to find the frog without help would have luck in their exams.

Salamanca Cathedral

Just over 100 meters away is one of the most visited destinations in Castilla y León, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. If you managed to find the frog on the University facade, here we propose a second challenge…

Are you able to find the astronaut camouflaged in the decoration of the facade? Yes, yes, an astronaut carved into a Cathedral built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Here’s a hint: it is located at the Ramos door (the entrance to the New Cathedral).

Extraterrestrials, other ancient civilizations… there are hundreds of theories that have formed around this figure. But the reality is that it was carved in 1992 during the restoration of the Cathedral as a tribute to the man of the 20th century. Have you found it?

The House of Shells

In the golden city, myths and legends of all kinds converge. So, as it could not be otherwise, the House of Shells also harbors its own mysteries. You will easily locate it because it owes its name to the more than 300 shells that decorate its facade. There are several theories about why this curious exterior decoration was chosen.

At Europcar, we like the most romantic legend: a token of love from Don Rodrigo to his wife Juana, as his family “the Pimentels” had this shell as a noble symbol. Legend has it that beneath one of the shells lies a treasure hidden by the family. If you managed to locate the frog on the University facade and the astronaut on the Cathedral, this challenge is for experts… If you find it, it’s yours!

Orellana Palace

If you are a lover of architecture, this Palace is a must-see on your visit to Salamanca. In the Plaza de Colón is the Orellana Palace, built in the 16th century. A building of classicist architecture with Mannerist influences. Its facade features two sections separated by simple cornices. One of the most original elements is the staircase that connects the lower and upper galleries.

It is located at one end of the facade, behind the tower. This palace has witnessed important historical events: Miguel de Cervantes stayed there for a few days and wrote some passages of his last novel “The Works of Persiles and Sigismunda.”

Main Square

As a final touch to the route through the golden city, head to the heart of Salamanca: the Main Square. A place that hides hundreds of curiosities and legends that will surprise you. Stand in front of the Town Hall. Do you see that some rows of windows on the right side of the facade are all closed? They always are.

And that’s because there is nothing behind those windows. They were simply placed as a decorative element to maintain the harmony of the ensemble.

Another detail is that the arches of the Square have medallions sculpted with prominent figures from the history of Spain. How many can you identify? Here’s a hint: Philip V is represented three times. Once for authorizing the construction of the Square and once for each of his two reigns.