Arriving in Salamanca

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Oh my goodness, if I thought Avila was wonderful – Salamanca left it well and truly in the shade. It was a lovely warm Saturday evening when I set off for the town centre. It’s a university town and I have to admit it did feel familiar to me, much like Oxford does. Whatever it was I felt relaxed and comfortable walking around the streets by myself.

One of my main targets today is to visit the imposing cathedral, but as I arrive I discover a wedding has just taken place and the newly married bride and groom have just emerged with their many family members. It provides some wonderful entertainment, particularly as some of the guests are dress in recognisably Spanish clothes. In fact there is a small folk band present dressed head to toe in traditional costume and of course posing for photographs. I briefly join the happy group, to steal a few snaps, before quietly sneaking away and back into the now empty Cathedral Vieja or was it the Cathedral Nueva?

In fact there is a small folk band present dressed head to toe in traditional costume...

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Salamanca is a strange city as it actually has two cathedrals. The first Cathedral Vieja was build in the 12th to 13th centuries. The second or new cathedral (Nueva) was built next door to the original in the 16th century.

I find myself drawn further and further into the narrow streets of Salamanca, searching out new and interesting views. Eventually I even find my way down to the river on the far side of the cathedrals, where I am confronted by a wonderfully preserved Roman bridge. Even though I know it’s pointless I nonetheless have to cross it, just to say I have. Once over on the far side, I take my pictures and promptly come straight back.

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On the way back to the hotel I take a moment to admire the facades of the Universidad and the whimsical Casa de las Conchas. As the name implies, a house completely decorated in carved scallop shells (St James appears to have left his mark here too). It’s a really strange affect, but one that would be appreciated by a rock climber.