Worthy of a Visit – Salamanca
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Posted On :
Oct-05-2010
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Article Word Count :
637
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Salamanca is famous for its culture and as a center for knowledge quest with its famed University of Salamanca, founded in 1218 as the third oldest European university.
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Salamanca is located at the Spanish region, Castile and Leon or “Castilla y León”. It has a population of 170,000 and can be considered as a medium-size city. It is at the inner portion of western Spain right next to Portugal, 200km west of Madrid, making its accessibility a bit more difficult than other cities. However, the recently refurbished Valladolid airport changed that, making Salamanca only an hour’s drive away.
A brief about Salamanca
Salamanca is famous for its culture and as a center for knowledge quest with its famed University of Salamanca, founded in 1218 as the third oldest European university.
Salamanca is one of Spain’s most beautiful cities based on its charm and historical heritage, fuelling tourism as the city’s most prominent industry. Only in Salamanca is where the purest form of Spanish or “Castellano” is spoken, drawing students who want to pick up the language.
Salamanca is as unique as its weather where it experiences cold winters or hot summers and an occasional sprinkle.
Salamanca was declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO, and was chosen the European City of Culture in 2002 with Belgium’s Bruges.
This city does not lose out in gastronomic array, where pork meat and cured hams are a must. These are produced in a Southern Salamanca village called Guijuelo, which is famed for Spanish delicatessen.
History of Salamanca
Its original name “Helmantika” was given by the Celts who founded this city in the 4 BC before Romanized to Salamantica and finally Salamanca at the 13th century. This city links Ruta de la Plata, the Roman “Road of the Silver” from North to South.
The Muslims invaded the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century, and brought along their culture which overshadowed Christianity. However, when the Christian Re-conquest happened, King Alfonso IX enhanced Salamanca in the 13th century, founding the University of Salamanca in 1255 with the Pope Alexander ratifying it.
From there, both city and university achieved high prestige with outstanding figures like Miguel de Unamuno, a famous writer who was made vice-Chancellor. It was at Salamanca where the French army was defeated during the Spanish war of Independence in 1812 at the Battle of Arapiles.
Salamanca holds the key to a few Spanish Civil wars with its vast archives by the national troops’ occupation.
Salamanca City
With democracy set in and the presence of Spanish monarchy, Salamanca flourished as a cosmopolitan city with a growing culture and heritage until it obtained its World Heritage status.
Although it is medium sized, Salamanca offers all the advantages that a big capital offers such as a vast variety of leisure facilities, liveliness and serenity all in one. It is a bustling city with a lively nightlife. Tourists are encouraged to walk through the city to discover its charm minus the traffic and noise.
Sightseeing in Salamanca
The impressive University façade is a must for visitors to Salamanca where legend has it that the one who can find the “frog” on it will have good luck. Plaza Mayor is a key meeting point at the central square for a coffee or lunch treat at the alluring terraces, night or day.
There are architectural structures at the Cathedral, the Art Nouveau, the Museum “Casa Lys” and Art Deco collections to browse and admire. Many of these structures are built with a special stone which gives off a golden light making them a spectacular sight during sunsets.
Things to do in Salamanca
Although Salamanca does not have coast or beaches, there is always a lot to do in the summer with swimming pools filled with tourists and locals alike. Gyms and sport centers are easily available in this city for a great work out.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Worthy of a Visit – Salamanca_36251.aspx
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Author Resource :
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Keywords :
Salamanca City, Sightseeing in Salamanca, University of Salamanca, Salamanca village,
Category :
Travel and Leisure
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Travel and Leisure
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