How to visit the University of Salamanca: experience, what to see, opening hours

If we think of an institution that defines the special character of Salamanca, we probably all agree on choosing University.

Few cities will have a history and a social and street environment as closely related to university studies and student life as Salamanca.

Among other things because Salamanca is the oldest university in Spain, even more than that of Alcalá de Henares.

When was the University of Salamanca founded

It is worth remembering that the first studies that we can classify as university studies were instituted in 1218 by the King Alfonso IX of León and confirmed in the Magna Carta that gave him Alfonso X in 1254.

Therefore, it has recently turned no less than 2018 years old, in 800. It is like that, one of the oldest in Europe.

Su time of splendor It corresponds to the 15th and 16th centuries, when it was recognized as one of the most important on the continent.

Several truly spectacular buildings remain from that time in the heart of Salamanca.

This is the experience of visiting the University of Salamanca, what to see

An tourism visit to the University of Salamanca It is very interesting because it responds both to the historical and cultural importance of the institution, but also to the beauty of the buildings.

Touring the university area and visiting its buildings, cloisters and patios is an essential part of any stay in the city.

As the University It is a living institution with eight centuries of history that has evolved and grown with history, it is advisable to first get a general idea of ​​the complex to decide what we want to visit.

What are the buildings to visit at the University of Salamanca

The historic buildings of the University They are located right next to the Cathedral of Salamanca.

It then appears as a civil temple of thought and culture, where humanists and thinkers of the stature of Fray Luis de León, Francis of Vitoria o Miguel de Unamuno.

A tour to know the architectural and cultural glory of the University of Salamanca implies visit various buildings and courtyards, especially those of historical interest.

The main building, known as Senior Schools, from 1415, is right in front of the cathedral.

However, its main entrance, with its splendid plateresque façade, from 1512, is not in front of it, but on the opposite side.

Where to see the statue of Fray Luis de León in Salamanca

In front of this façade is the famous Patio of the Major Schools, With the statue of Fray Luis de León.

One of the sides is occupied by the former Student Hospital (from 1412), now headquarters of the Rectorate, and the façade of the Minor Schools (from 1533).

Through that entrance you access the Courtyard of the Minor Schools, where you should not miss the room that houses the so-called Salamanca sky.

This is the group that is normally visited.

Of all this, the building of the Senior Schools It is the only one where you have to pay an entrance fee like in a normal museum of Salamanca.

Much of the attraction of the area is walking at different times of the day, enjoying the beauty of these historical buildings, observing the details of the facades full of shields and symbols of power.

What it is like and what to see in the Patio de las Escuelas Mayores

Probably the best place to start this journey in a big way is the Patio of the Major Schools.

It is a wonderful set in which the bronze statue of Fray Luis de León appears in front of Plateresque façade of the Gothic University building.

And also in front of the Gothic-Renaissance façade of the Rectorate and shields at the entrance to the Minor Schools.

The set is completed with the upper part of the baroque cathedral tower dominating the same.

What to see on the façade of the University of Salamanca: characters, shields, symbols

It is said that this patio was the first urban intervention in the city since it was specially designed for contemplation of the façade of the University.

This façade is truly spectacular and is full of characters, shields and symbols for which there is no unanimity in meaning.

This façade is divided into three bodies, which in turn are made up of different sections.

Clearly highlights the medallion with Catholic kings, promoters of the University, the shield which represents all the kingdoms that made up Spain at that time, and a Pope in the attitude of giving lessons to some listeners.

also appears Carlos I and some figures that represent roman emperors.

This set glorifies the figure of Emperor Charles and his political ideal, which he relates to the emperors.

Of Figure Pope reflects the role of papal bulls in the creation and development of medieval universities.

How and where to see the frog on the façade of the University of Salamanca

But in addition to all these important symbols, what we all strive to find is the famous frog of the University of Salamanca that hides in that intricate façade.

When someone finds it and reports it, they are immediately questioned by other visitors who scrutinize the façade without finding it.

How to visit and what to see in the Major Schools

We can then go on to tour the building of the Senior Schools.

Construction began almost 200 years after the organization of the first studies.

Until then, classes were organized in different places, some dependent on the bishopric.

In the entrance hall there are two mirrors that allow you to comfortably observe the gothic ceiling vault.

The first thing we see is the cloister, with two floors and surrounded by 23 arches on each floor. Those on the upper floor are more elaborate, a reflection of the different periods in which they were built.

Classrooms appear around the patio, and at the entrance there is still a sign written indicating the lessons that were explained in each one.

These classrooms have the names of very important personalities in university life, such as Fray Luis de León, Miguel de Unamuno, Francis of Vitoria o Alfonso X the Wise.

There is also the Auditorium, The Chapel and Column Room, the latter, a religious art exhibition space.

The climb to the upper floor is via a truly spectacular staircase. Just to see it is worth making this visit.

It is profusely decorated with a multitude of characters of all kinds. This decoration accompanied by the ascension itself symbolizes the ideal of Christian moral perfection.

On this upper floor, the Old Library, which must be seen through a glass window.

What are they and where to see the Enigmas of the Cloister

Another curiosity of the building are the so-called Enigmas of the cloister.

Its seven allegorical representations of, for example, the temperance, The Justice wave victory of love, which are found on the windowsills of the three windows that correspond to the side of the library.

It remains to go out into the street and cross the Patio of the Major Schools and at the other end go through the door of the Minor Schools.

These schools are called this way because the teachings prior to university studies were taught here.

La plateresque facade It is also very interesting, with the imperial shields of Charles V.

What is it and where to see the Sky of Salamanca

In the patio you should not miss the room that keeps the Salamanca sky, another of the most fascinating details of the University.

It is a part of the mural painting that covered the vault of the old library and is a reflection of Renaissance thought and the search for knowledge.

The Sun, the planets, the zodiacal and Ptolemaic constellations and the winds are represented here.

What is preserved is only a part of the original, which must have been used for teaching in the astrology department.

Visiting hours of the University of Salamanca's Major Schools

The building of the Senior Schools It is visited as if it were a museum.

In particular, the visiting hours They are from April 1st to October 15th, Monday to Saturday, except holidays, from 10am to 20pm.

The rest of the year it closes at 19 p.m.

On Sundays and holidays you can visit the Senior Schools from 10 a.m. to 14 p.m.

Ticket prices for visiting Senior Schools

El entrance fee to visit the Escuelas Mayores from the University of Salamanca is 10 euros.