Reasons to study Spanish in Salamanca
THE CITY:
- Population: 215.000 (Greater Salamanca area)
- Location: Midwest of Spain in the Autonomous Region of Castile and Leon
- Salamanca is known for speaking the "purest" Spanish, making the city very popular for Spanish learners
- Salamanca is large enough to offer big city advantages but maintains a friendly small town atmosphere
- The University of Salamanca is the second oldest university in the world and receives about 50.000 students every year. Approximately 5,000 of them are foreigners
- Salamanca was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known as the Golden City (La Dorada) due to the glow of the city's sandstone buildings
CULTURAL/RECREATIONAL:
- The Plaza Mayor (Main Square) of Salamanca is one of the most beautiful baroque squares in Spain.
- Madrid is only 200 km (124 miles) away, approximately two hours by car.
- Portugal is about an hour away by car or train.
- Salamanca is surrounded by the Sierra de Francia and Sierra de Gredos mountain ranges.
- The region around Salamanca offers visitors plenty of opportunities to explore nature or discover typical villages.
- In September, the Ferias and Fiestas de San Mateo are spectacular. For two weeks, the city offers a program of concerts, parades, exhibitions, bullfights and street markets.
- As a student town, Salamanca has a vibrant nightlife with many options to go out and have a good time.
- Salamanca was declared the European Capital of Culture in 2002.
More information about Salamanca
The province of Salamanca is located in the southwest corner of the Castile & Leon region bordering Portugal. It is located about 2 hours northwest of Madrid and about 4 hours from the beach (in Portugal). The Golden City is also one of many dazzling UNESCO World Heritage sites in Spain and home to two grand cathedrals, spectacular Renaissance palaces, beautiful plazas and one of the oldest universities in Europe.
Salamanca's Cathedral
The city is large enough (155.000 inhabitants within city limits) to be able to offer the advantages of a real city, but at the same time it keeps the intimacy of a village. Salamanca has played an important role in the history of the Spanish (Castilian) language. For this reason Salamanca is enormously popular with people all over the world who want to learn Spanish. It is very easy to meet people because the city is easy to navigate by foot. This university city is home to around 30,000 students, both Spanish and foreigners alike. Salamanca attracts students from all over the world, so students are sure to make many international friends. A common tradition is to meet up with friends under the clock in the Plaza Mayor, one of the finest squares in Spain and known as the "living room of the Salamantinos"
The surrounding areas of Salamanca offer many opportunities for cultural day-trips to nearby villages or recreational activities in the mountain or lake areas.
Plaza Mayor, Salamanca
Plaza Anaya, Salamanca
Fiestas and celebrations in Salamanca
The vast majority of celebrations in Salamanca have, as in most of Spain, a religious background. One of the most special celebrations in Salamanca is called El Lunes de Aguas (Water Monday). The origin of this tradition dates back to 1570, during the reign of King Felipe II. On this Monday, the last of an eight-day religious Easter celebration, people meet up on the shores of theTormes River, or any other outdoor area, and have what is essentially a picnic with friends or family.
Throughout the year in Salamanca there are many other celebrations and festivities. One of the most spectacular celebrations, Ferias y Fiestas de Virgen de la Vega , takes place in September. For two weeks there is a fully organized program of open-air concerts, parades, exhibitions and markets that are not to be missed!