Salamanca, Spain
I only spent one night in Salamanca. I stayed at the Ibis Salamanca. It was better than the Ibis in Brussels, you could actually move around the room and bath without turning sideways. They had a good breakfast buffet, also.
I arrived mid-morning and headed right out to explore old town after getting a good map from the concierge. I started in Plaza Mayor. A big beautiful busy place, there are many restaurants, pastry shops, stores. I picked up a few tapas for lunch and also had to pick up a treat from the many bakeries because of the enticing window displays.
Continuing down the beautiful Rua Mayor, I passed the university buildings then visited the Old Cathedral or Catedral Vieja de Santa María de la Sede de Salamanca and the New Cathedral or Salamanca Cathedral.
The old cathedral was started in the early 12th c and the new cathedral was started in 1513 but not finished until 1733. Both churches, all the rooms, murals, are beautiful, it was a very interesting visit. I really liked the choir chairs in the new cathedral and the murals or frescoes in the old cathedral. The altarpiece in the old cathedral is from 1430-1450 and has over 50 panels with a lifecycle of Mary and Jesus, topped with the Last Judgement.
After the cathedrals, I continued to Puente Romano or Puente Mayor del Tormes. It was built between 27 BCE and 79 CE. I walked across it to the beautiful park and hiking area, Río Tormes Shorebank, along the river. I had great views of cathedral and bridge as I stopped at Mirador del Embarcadero. I went back across Rio Tormes on Puente Enrique Estevan.
Back in the old city, I visited the ruins of the old 7th c Iglesia de San Polo; the remaining walls have been incorporated into a restaurant and hotel.
I went to Convento de San Esteban, it reopened at 1600, right after I arrived. This gorgeous building dates from the late 16th c. I visited the King’s Cloister, the Pantheon of the Theologians, Chapter Room and sacristy, and finally the church. Truly beautiful facade.
I went back to see Clerecía Church and Scalia Coeli. I had to take the tour to see the church, you cannot visit on your own, but unfortunately it was only in Spanish. They did offer a guide I could download. I had time to climb the tower before the tour.
Unlike other church towers, it was fairly easy to climb since it just had regular flights of stairs. But after 180 steps (and another 35 on a tight spiral to get to the bells), there were wonderful views over town, the inner courtyard, the church roof, and more. The church has a huge beautiful courtyard.
The Museo Art Nouveau y Deco was open until 2000 so I was able to visit late after the church. I only paid €3 as a retiree. Casa Lis is a beautiful building, built in the early 1900s by Don Miguel de Lis who loved art nouveau. There was beautiful stained glass, Faberge eggs, cloisonné jewelry, Lalique vases, bronze artwork, a really gorgeous enamel painting, furniture, and much more.
Salamanca is a great city. It was a busy, full day but I really loved my visit. There is plenty more to see and I could easily have stayed another day or two. But that is true with every city on this road trip.
** All photos property of Lisa, not to be copied or reproduced **