Salamanca

Salamanca is a beautiful university town in western Spain, about 2 hours from Madrid. Founded in the 12th century, the University of Salamanca is one of the oldest in Europe and gives the city its youthful energy despite its historic character.

The city's crowning glory is the Plaza Mayor, considered one of the most beautiful squares in Spain. This baroque masterpiece serves as the heart of Salamanca where locals and visitors gather throughout the day. The golden sandstone buildings are what earned Salamanca its nickname "La Dorada" (The Golden City), especially stunning when the sun hits them at dusk.

Beyond the plaza, Salamanca boasts two cathedrals built side by side - the Old Cathedral from the 12th century and the New Cathedral completed in the 18th century. The famous façade of the university contains a hidden frog sculpture that students traditionally seek out for good luck in their exams.

The city is known for its language schools, attracting students from around the world to learn Spanish in its historic setting. The local cuisine features specialties like hornazo (a meat-filled pastry) and farinato (a sausage made with bread crumbs). With its combination of history, architecture, student life, and gastronomy, Salamanca offers a perfect slice of traditional Spain with a lively modern atmosphere.