Salamanca, Spain – the city

Old, historical cities have such a charm that one doesn’t mind the throngs of people.  Salamanca does not disappoint.  Perhaps because everyone is relaxed, strolling, and being at peace amongst the the storied ancient catedrals and universities.  Shops and restaurants line the stone streets with restaurants spilling into the center of the streets from noon on to accommodate lunch hour and the late lunch crowd from 2-4, typical of the Spanish culture.

This beautiful city is where son, Nathan, lives for the 2017 spring semester and attending the Universidad de Salamanca as the study abroad requirement for his International Business degree from Northwest Missouri State University.

My three children at Plaza Mayor, Salamanca, Spain

Critical damage was done to the New Cathedral during the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake with visible evidences in much of the reinforced walls, walkways, and foundations.

Cracks caused by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake are clearly visible throughout the Cathedral.

Inside the New Cathedral of Salamanca

The Old Cathedral of Salamanca – Catedral Vieja – building began in the first third of the 12th century and completed the end of the 14th century in Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Our goofy mugs overlooking Salamanca from the Old Cathedral.

Famous facade of the entrance to Universidad de Salamanca.  Finding the frog is a favourite tourist pastime and of course is exploited by vendors and souvenir choices. 

University of Salamanca – short history via Wikipedia:  The University of Salamanca was founded in 1134 and in 1218 it was given the royal charter of foundation (“Estudio General”) by Alfonso IX of León. It was the first university to receive the title of “University” in 1254. Under the patronage of the learned Alfonso X, its wealth and reputation greatly increased (1252–1282), and its schools of canon law and civil law attracted students even from the Universities of Paris and Bologna.^[when?] In the 16th century, the city’s fortunes depended on those of the University. About the time Christopher Columbus was lecturing there on his discoveries, Hernán Cortés took classes at Salamanca, but returned home in 1501 at age 17, without completing his course of study. (About ten years later the conquistadorFrancisco Vásquez de Coronado was born in Salamanca.)

We leave tomorrow for Lisbon – Nathan stays of course to finish his studies and continue the ministry with Globalscope Spain (En Vivo).

Cheers!

tauna