Rory Moore is a student at the University of Denver and an ISA Featured Blogger. He is currently studying with ISA in Madrid, Spain.
Can I get a drum roll please?
The answer is…. of course!
It is known as Salamanca, Spain!
“An ancient city yet modern at the same time. Isn’t that ironic?- San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Salamanca
Here are five facts that you should know about Salamanca:
- Salamanca’s Old City was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.
- Salamanca is 120 miles away from Madrid, Spain but only 50 miles away from the Portugal Border.
- The University of Salamanca was built in 1218 and is the oldest university in Spain.
- Salamanca’s Old Cathedral was built during the 12th century.
- Plaza Mayor de Salamanca features Baroque architecture and it was built during the 18th century.
“Come Visit the Tombs of Kings and Queens of Spain”-Monasterio de El Escorial, Salamanca
Construction of the Monasterio de El Escorial began in 1563 and was completed by 1584. King Phillip II ordered this place to be built as a burial place for his father, Charles V, The Holy Roman Emperor. Juan Bautista de Toledo was the first architect of this building. However, after his death it was completed by Juan de Herrera. Herrera was influenced by Serlio and Vignola. This building is four stories high and contains a tower at each of its’ corners.
“Did you know Francisco Franco can be spotted here?”-Plaza Mayor, Salamanca
First, you should not confuse Plaza Mayor in Salamanca with Plaza Mayor in Madrid because they are two separate entities. Plaza Mayor in Salamanca started construction in 1729 but was completed in 1755. Felipe the V created this plaza to host bull fights. Also know that it was built by the Churriguera family with sandstone. This plaza contains many restaurants and small businesses that sell a range of commodities (books, jewelry, clothes, food, etc). If you look closely you can see the bell, clock, and the kings of Spain in this photo!
“Does this look old to you?”-Old Town, Salamanca
What you can find in both the old and new town of Salamanca is a statue of Maestro Salinas and a fountain below his statue. You can see graffiti on a garage wall, a small wall with an array of colors and shapes, Old Cathedral, New Cathedral, Convento de San Esteban, La Clerecia, Capilla de la Vera Cruz, University of Salamanca y Casa de la Conchas.
Now check out some more pictures from Salamanca!
“Pay attention to this Old Cathedral”-Old Cathedral, Salamanca
“What differences are there between the Old Cathedral to the New Cathedral de Salamanca?-Salamanca
“Do you remember seeing 53 in Herbie Fully Loaded?”-Salamanca
The world awaits…discover it.