Salamanca's Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor, the Heart of Salamanca
Plaza Mayor in Salamanca is one of the most beautiful public squares in Spain or indeed in Europe as a whole.
The grand square was built between 1729 and 1755, it is particularly beautiful when illuminated in the evening (until midnight). It serves as a central meeting point, almost a 'living room' and cultural hub, where both citizens and tourists alike mingle in its impressive confines. This is a place to find concerts, markets and even political rallies. Bullfights were also once performed here in days gone by up until the mid-19th century.
History
Construction of the square began in 1729 under the rule of King Philip V, the first Bourbon king of Spain. The civic space was intended as a symbol of unity and a place for civic and festive functions including bullfights. It was built on the site of an older medieval market square. The plaza was designed by Alberto de Churriguera, a prominent Spanish architect known for his Baroque style. Completed around 1755, there were later additions by Andrés García de Quiñones, who finished the City Hall and some façades. Historically the square has been used for bullfights, markets, public ceremonies, and even executions.
Architecture
The architecture is notable for its uniformity, symmetry, and ornamentation. All four sides are porticoed arcades, lending the square a sense of enclosure and grandeur. The main building material is golden Villamayor sandstone, which glows beautifully in the sunshine.
Roughly 82 meters square, the façades are three stories tall but are irregular in height. The City Hall (Ayuntamiento) is located on the northern side. Café Novelty established in 1905 is located in the square close to City Hall. It is the oldest cafe in the city. Both the now defunct Football Club of Salamanca and Spanish National Radio were founded in the cafe.
Ayuntamiento
The City Hall features five granite arches, a central balcony, and bell towers. Statues of Fame and other allegorical figures crown the building.
88 stone medallions adorn the upper levels, featuring famous Spanish historical figures such as monarchs including Alfonso XI, Charles I, and Ferdinand VI, writers such as Cervantes and Spanish heroes like El Cid. Some were left blank for future additions (and remain uncarved to this day).
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
Address: Plaza Mayor, 37002 Salamanca, Spain
Salamanca is a very walkable city and Plaza Mayor is within easy distance of other attractions in the city. These include La Clerecía, the Casa de las Conchas (House of the Shells) and the University of Salamanca.
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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