Salamanca hotels

Hotels in Salamanca

One of Spain's most handsome cities, Salamanca is famed for its well-preserved Old City, which is now on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, along with dozens of other sites in the country . This settlement is also home to the University of Salamanca, which is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the world, founded in 1134.

Salamanca has existed since the Roman period, and contains one of the highest concentrations of Renaissance buildings of any city in Europe. The Spanish spoken here is said to be the best in the country, which is why Salamanca is a particularly popular destination for learning Spanish.

The Old and New Cathedrals

Dating back to the 12th century, the Old Cathedral is revered for its elaborate Romanesque architecture, although it not usually open to the public. The New Cathedral, meanwhile, was established much later, in the 16th century, although it was not completed until the 18th century. This latter building, which was built on the orders of King Ferdinand V of Castile, has magnificent Baroque- and Gothic-style architecture, and became a national monument in the 19th century.

The Convento de San Esteban

The enchanting Convento de San Esteban, one of the most architecturally impressive in Spain, was completed in the early 17th century after almost 100 years of construction, and replaced a much earlier medieval monastery. Like the Casa de las Conchas, the most intriguing feature of this building is its Plateresque-style façade, which has Italian Renaissance influences and was designed in the late-16th century.

Other places of interest in Salamanca

See the Casa de las Conchas, which dates back to the late 15th century and was built by Rodrigo Arias de Maldonado, who served as a professor at the university. Don't forget to spend some time in the majestic Plaza Mayor square, which is among the most famous in Spain and contains numerous elegant cafés, souvenir shops and ice cream parlours. The square, which was designed in the 18th century, was once a major centre for bullfighting, and is the centrepiece of the Salamanca's World Heritage Site.

Where to dine in the city – a few suggestions

Treat yourself to some fabulous tapas at the factory gourmet restaurant, or choose the Bordadores 12 restaurant for other delightful Spanish classics. You can also enjoy some wonderful Italian recipes at the Pizzeria Mambo Italiano, tantalising seafood at El Club Nautico, or other exquisite Spanish and Vegetarian food at El Laurel.

Accommodation ideas

For sophisticated surroundings, choose the comfortable, high-end Grand Hotel Don Gregorio, or consider booking a stay at the charming NH Salamanca Puerta de la Catedral. Other highly regarded Salamanca hotels include the TRYP Salamanca, the Eurostars Las Claras, and the Hotel Petit Palace Las Torres, although there are dozens of other accommodation establishments you can consider in the city.