Colegio Viejo

2-Oct-23

Our last stop in Spain before heading to Portugal is the city of Salamanca. Settled a mere 2700 years ago during the Iron Age, it too saw its share of Moorish, Roman, Jewish, & Catholic influences still visible in architecture and alleyways. Today, it is a bustling 'college town' and center for scientific research centers.

Roman Bridge over the Tormes River

Sights Around Town

Plaza Mayor & City Hall

The city of Salanca is famous for having the oldest university in Spain: University of Salamanca, founded in 1218. Miguel de Cervantes took classes here, Hernán Cortés was a graduate, & Christopher Columbus consulted the geography professors to plan his voyage. Many 'lawyers' of the Spanish Inquisition were trained here as well.

Frog (facing downward) hidden on top of the skull

Frescoed ceiling of the night sky

Inner Courtyards

Library

Lecture Halls

As the student body increased (aka noble sons), the city's population grew & a New (larger) Cathedral was built into the side of the Old Cathedral. This mashup of Romanesque, Gothic, Plateresque, & Baroque styles (spanning 6 centuries) makes for a beautifully eclectic puzzle of a building.

Nick gloating that he descends from the plunderers who brought funds back from the Americas to finance such luxurious buildings 😜