This short break guide about Salamanca, Spain will help you to make the most of your trip. Lists of what's on in Salamanca and recommended hotels will save you time when planning your city break.
About Salamanca, Spain
Everything about Salamanca is spectacular and the way in is no exception. Located on a plateau along the Tormes River, the city is reached by crossing a bridge with 26 arches; 15 of which date back to 89AD, while the rest are from the 16th century. The city, from the bridge inward is known as one of the most stunning and well preserved Renaissance cities in the world.
Most of Salamanca was built with Villamayor Stone centuries ago. This unique stone glows pink, orange and gold in the sunset and is the reason the city has the nickname La Ciudad Dorada or The Golden City. Salamanca was named the European Capital of Culture in 2002 and its entire Old City section is claimed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Aside from its exquisitely preserved architecture, Salamanca is also home to one of Europe's most prestigious universities, which dates back to 1218. It is also known for its rabid soccer fans, annual running of the bulls and other wild sporting events. Salamanca provides large city amenities, with much to do and see, mixed in with a unique small town intimacy. It is an inimitable city and a must see for those traveling Spain.
What is on in Salamanca in 2008
Our mini-guide to what's on in Salamanca lists the top 10 events and attractions in 2008. If you take your short break in Salamanca, Spain when these events are taking place, add them to your list of things to do in Salamanca.
1. The Baby Jumping Colacho Festival - Since the early 17th century, Castrillo de Murcia has celebrated Corpus Christi with a very odd event. Grown mean leap over helpless babies in an event known as El Colacho. The men are dressed as the devil and sometimes carry a whip or truncheons. Why? It is believed that when they take a leap over the children that the devil takes the evil and the jump completely cleanses the little bundles of joy. Watch this bizarre event during Corpus Christi from about May 22 - 25 each year. There is no admission for this event.
2. San Juan's Day - Each June the small town of San Pedro Manrique celebrates San Juan (St. John) with a huge fiesta the day after the summer solstice. Bonfires are lit, drinks and food are shared and as the day turns into evening many partake in fire-walking barefoot over red hot coals from the fires! There is no admission to these events.
3. Plaza Mayor - Literally the heart of Salamanca, this bustling square is full of those golden buildings which houses cafes, restaurants, shopping and one of a kind architecture.
4. Sueno Verde Music Festival - Held in Bonar, just outside of Salamanca, this festival's annual motto is always the same - "sustainable hedonism." Many forms of music are played on the main stage including trance, hip hop, house and dancehall. There is also a circus, cinema, cabaret, bars, cafes, massage, a market and swimming pool opened up to the event - all of which are powered by alternate, sustainable energies. It runs over the course of a different weekend each July. Please see the website for this year's dates and hours. Admission is 35EUR in advance, 40 at the door. Children 13 and under are free.
5. Virgen del Rosario Bullrunning - In honor of its patron saint, the Virgin del Rosario, the tiny town of Cuellar, just minutes from Salamanca, holds an annual running of the bulls. It is said that this running is the oldest in Spain. The running is followed by a daylong celebration full of dancing, parades and other traditional festival activities. This event is free.
6. Old and New Cathedrals - The Old Cathedral dates back to the 12th century while the New Cathedral was built over the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Both sit next to each other and are awe inspiring in person; quite possible two of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
7. House of Shells - Built in the latter half of the 15th century by the Catholic Kings, this building is studded with thousands of sandstone shells. There is nothing else in the world quite like it!
8. Ponferrada Gastronomy Fair - Eat like a king! Paying homage to its medieval roots, this festival keeps the rich court style cooking alive with crusted pies, broths, salted pork and turnips. Nearly all restaurants in Ponferrada participate in this yummy festival.
9. The University of Salamanca - Spreading through most of the Old City sector, this school, which dates back to 1218, is still considered one of the most exclusive in Europe. Its buildings include Fonseca Collage and the Anaya Palace.
10. Virgen de la Vega - From September 8 - September 22, the largest festival in Salamanca takes place. It pays homage to Salamanca's patron saint that, as legend has it, had a hand in helping the Salmantinos defend their city from invading troops. The Virgin's statue is located in the Old Cathedral. After a visit to her, visitors are sure to find something to do or see during the lengthy festival.
Recommended Salamanca Hotels
Hotel review website Trip Advisor allows travelers to thoroughly assess Salamanca hotels that they have visited. The unbiased evaluations really help to find the best hotels and avoid the worst. The top 10 Salamanca hotels recommended by review are:
1. Hotel Rector
2. Melia Las Claras Boutique Hotel
3. Vincci Ciudad de Salamanca
4. Hotel Alameda Palace
5. Abba Fonseca Hotel
6. Dona Brigida at Salamanca Forum Resort
7. Hotel Torre del Clavero
8. Hostel Plaza Mayor
9. Hotel Partner Montalvo
10. AC Palacio de San Esteban
Salamanca Airport
Salamanca does not have its own international airport. However, daily flights from Barcelona and Malaga via Lagun air provide access to the city. Ryan Air flies to Valladolid from Brussels, Milan and London and provides a 1 ½ hour bus ride into Salamanca as yet another option. Trains and buses from Madrid also frequent Salamanca.
Salamanca Hotels
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