The history of Salamanca is closely linked to that of the university. In 1130 there were cathedral schools that preceded the schools founded by Alfonso IX of León in 1218. Until the fifteenth century, classes were held in the cloisters of the Cathedral, in rented buildings and in the Church of San Benito. In 1401 dedicated school buildings were constructed.

In the Golden Age, four out of the nine major schools of Castile were based in Salamanca. This explains why the city has been so relevant to Spanish education and culture. The University of Salamanca has attracted renowned students and scholars like poets Fray Luis de León and San Juan de la Cruz, grammarian Antonio de Nebrija, defender of the Indians, theologian and historian Bartolomé de las Casas, humanist Beatriz La Latina Galindo and author Miguel de Unamuno, to name but a few.

At present, Salamanca is among the Spanish cities with the largest student community. It attracts people from every Spanish provinces and many coming from abroad, who attend Spanish language courses.

Easter, Lunes de Aguas, the feast of the Virgin of la Vega and the Festival of Castile-León Arts are the most important fiestas in Salamanca. Lunes de Aguas is on the Monday that follows Easter. The festival dates back to the sixteenth century, when the prostitutes were sent across the river Tormes and came back to town amidst cheers and dances. Currently, they re-enact this tradition and eat hornazos (homemade Easter bread) as they’ve done for centuries.

On 8 September, Salamanca commemorates the Virgin of la Vega, the local patron saint. Legend has it that she helped the city from the bandits that would invade Salamanca during the Spanish Succession War. In spring there’s the Festival of Castile-León Arts, with avant-garde performances and events. Another unmissable event is the University New Year’s Eve, which is held on the penultimate Thursday of term in December. A popular event at which thousands of university students see out the year, popping twelve sweets into their mouth instead of the traditional twelve grapes as the clock strikes midnight.

Livestock raising, favoured by pastures, the river Tormes and the plains, is widespread in the province of Salamanca, which explains why the local gastronomy offers roasted meat, cold meats, goat and sheep milk’s cheese.The cured meats and charcuterie you can sample here include 100% acorn-fed free-range Iberian ham with the Guijelo Designation of Origin.

Typical dishes are chanfaina (rice with giblets, tripe, lamb and chorizo), farinato (cold meat with pork, breadcrumb, onion, egg, olive oil and flour), hornazo (pie stuffed with cold meats), patatas revolconas (potatoes and bacon), Arribes de Salamanca sheep milk’s cheese and lentils from Armuña, among others. Momo, located at No. 13, Call San Pablo, and Mesón Cervantes and Café Real, both of which are in the Plaza Mayor, are very good options if you are looking to sample the local gastronomy in the city.

In the sweet chapter, Salmantinos keep alive a tradition cherished for centuries in local convents. The most famous recipes are those of turrón of La Alberca (kind of confectionery resembling nougat made from almonds and honey), amarguillos (almond cookies) and marzipan from the Convent of Las Dueñas, rolls and cookies made by the nuns of Alba de Tormes, huesillos of Béjar (sweet sticks), obispos from Yeltes and obleas (wafers). For those interested in buying some typical products from the region, visit specialised stores, such as Ibéricos El Castizo or La Tahona Delicatessen in the centre of Salamanca.

• By car: Salamanca is around 2 and a half hours’ drive from Madrid if you take the A-6 motorway.

• By bus: It takes 3 hours to get to Salamanca from Estación Sur de Autobuses bus terminal (Méndez Álvaro transport interchange).

• By train: The train from Atocha train station arrives in Salamanca in 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Links of Interest:

- Official Website  Salamanca City Council

- Guided Visits