My husband and I had no idea that Salamanca, Spain existed prior to our trip there.
The good thing with traveling with a tour group like Trafalgar is that we get to experience the charming smaller cities in addition to the big metropolises that are more commonly known.
Salamanca is a city in Northwestern Spain, in the region of Castile and Leon. Here is my Travel Video from our recent visit:
This city of became my husband's favorite stop in Spain, and here are three reasons why.
1. It's an Ancient College Town
The University of Salamanca is the oldest university in Spain and the third oldest in Europe. It was founded by King Alfonso IX of Leon in 1218 and draws students from all over the world. Because it's a college town, the town is buzzing with youthful energy.
2. The Astronaut
The Cathedral of Salamanca actually has two cathedrals joined together. The old cathedral dates back to the 12th century and can be accessed from the new cathedral that was built between the 16th-18th centuries. If you look closely in the exterior of the new cathedral, you'll find fun carvings such as an astronaut, a frog on a skull, and a gargoyle eating ice cream. The astronaut is our favorite, because it shows modern day additions to a Gothic and Baroque style architecture.
3. The Roman Bridge
Just a short walk from the cathedral and the university is a bridge that the Romans built during the first century A.D. Walking across it felt like walking back in time. The bridge looks very beautiful today thanks to several reconstructions. It crosses over the Tormes River and was most significantly damaged after a major flood during the 17th century.
