Salamanca is home to the oldest university in Spain, and the third oldest in Europe, dating all the way back to 1218. Although it is quite a small city with a population of less than 150,000, do not for a moment worry that it may be boring. With a student population of over 30,000, you can be sure that this small city nestled in heart of the Castile and Leon region, has a big atmosphere.
Although Salamanca may not be the first location that non-Spaniards think of when choosing where to visit in Spain, the Spaniards recognise it as being one of, if not the, most important historical and cultural location in the country. Being home to such an important university, it is no surprise to find that city is a cultural hub, and over the years has been home to many of Spain’s greatest writers and thinkers. As you would imagine, this means that the city has numerous museums, proudly displaying its cultural and educational significance.
However, there is much more to this city that just its past. With such a young population you can be sure there is always a vibrant atmosphere. As with many locations in Spain, food plays a very important role here too. Most of you will be familiar with the popularity of cured meats in Spain, such as chorizo, Spanish ham or salchichon. These cured meats are a specialty in this part of Spain, so if that is the kind of thing that tempts your taste buds, you will not be disappointed.
Salamanca is recognised by Unesco as a World Heritage City, and in 2002 it was chosen as European City of Culture. It really does not take long walking around this stunning city to see why. The city is simply littered with an array of Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic style buildings. One of the remarkable facts about Salamanca is just how well it has managed to preserve its past. And lets not forget Plaza Mayor, the largest square in the city and a focal point for the meeting of friends, families and those who just want to sit back and enjoy some of the timeless splendour this enchanting little city has to offer.
Another useful feature about Salamanca is that it is located a short journey from Madrid. There is a regular coach which runs direct from the Spanish capital to Salamanca, and takes just 2.5 hours.
So there you have it. If you are looking for small city with a big personality, a place of timeless architecture with a modern vibe, do not forget to consider Salamanca when deciding where to learn Spanish in Spain. It may not be the first place people think of, but that is part of what makes it so special.
