Introduction to Salamanca

204km (126 miles) NW of Madrid, 118km (73 miles) E of Portugal

This ancient city, famous for its university founded by Alfonso IX in the early 1200s, is well preserved, with turreted palaces, faded convents, Romanesque churches, and colleges that attract scholars from all over Europe. The best way to explore Salamanca is on foot, so arm yourself with a good map (available at the tourist office) and set out to explore. Most attractions are within walking distance of the Plaza Mayor.

In its day, Salamanca was ranked with Oxford, Paris, and Bologna as one of "the four leading lights of the medieval world." Its intellectual life continues to this day, and a large invasion of American students adds to it in summer. The city's population has swelled to 180,000, but a provincial aura lingers.

Still a youthful, spirited place because of venerable Salamanca University, the city has been named a World Heritage City by UNESCO.