Historic House of the Shells, Salamanca
Casa de las Conchas (House of the Shells)
The Casa de las Conchas (House of the Shells) in Salamanca is so called due to the scallop shells that decorate its façade, a symbol of the Order of Santiago. It is one of the most distinctive buildings in the city. The municipal public library is now within.
History
The building dates from between 1493 and 1517. It was constructed by Rodrigo Arias de Maldonado, a knight of the Order of Santiago and a professor at the University of Salamanca. The scallop shell is a traditional emblem of pilgrims on the Way of St. James. As Maldonado was affiliated with the Order of Santiago, the shells also represent his loyalty.
Originally a noble residence it has been used for various purposes over centuries. These include a noble mansion, a school, and offices. Today, it functions as a public library and cultural space, often hosting exhibitions.
Architecture
The building is a mix of Gothic, Plateresque, and Mudejar styles. Over 300 shells cover the sandstone exterior. Their precise alignment and spacing add to the aesthetic harmony. Interspersed among the shells are coats of arms from the Maldonado family and related noble lineages. The windows display a mix of Gothic pointed arches and Plateresque ornamentation. The upper windows feature iron grilles and Mudejar latticework - a nod to Islamic artistic influence.
The courtyard is a two-level arcaded patio, decorated with apered columns, plateresque medallions and coats of arms as well as balustrades adorned with intricate stonework.
Though the interior has been adapted to house the modern library, many original elements are preserved or restored. Visitors can also climb to the upper floor and enjoy stunning views of Salamanca Cathedral from the balcony.
Accommodation
The city has well over 200 hotels and other accommodations that offer a range of lodgings to suit every budget from 5-star luxury hotels to more homely guest houses and pensions.
The 4-star Hotel Catalonia Plaza Mayor Salamanca is close to Plaza Mayor with conference rooms and a recommended restaurant.
South of the river, the Parador de Salamanca is a popular hotel set in a modern property with great views over the city. Facilities include a pool, bar and restaurant.
The Gran Hotel Corona Sol is a 10-minute walk from the city's Plaza Mayor and offers good rooms close to many of the city's bars and restaurants.
Other places include Hotel Condal on Plaza Santa Eulalia, offering pleasant, more than adequate 2-star lodgings.
Hotel Castellano Centro is another budget option not far from Salamanca Station.
See a listing of hotels in Salamanca
Access - Getting to Salamanca
The building is on Calle Compañía, very close to both the University of Salamanca and Plaza Mayor and adjacent to La Clerecía.
Typically open daily, with shorter hours on weekends and public holidays. Entrance is free.
Located in Castile and León, northwestern Spain, directly south of Zamora, the city of Salamanca has a population of over 140,000 inhabitants.
Salamanca is very well-connected to other parts of Spain. There are rail connections to Avila, Madrid-Chamartin, and Valladolid-Campo Grande.
Buses operated either by Alsa or Avanza run to Avila, Cáceres, Ciudad Rodrigo, Leon, Madrid, Segovia, Valladolid and Zamora.
Buses to Porto in Portugal are operated by ALSA/Internorte and take 6 hours and 15 minutes from Salamanca and 9 hours, 15 minutes from Madrid. The bus station in Porto where these international buses depart back to Spain is at Casa da Musica on the Porto metro.
By car it is a straight 65 km drive north on the A-66, the old Roman road, from Salamanca to Zamora.
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