University Spirit
By Jim
Salamanca has been my favourite city in Spain so far. Not for its well preserved medieval core, Roman bridge, or two humongous cathedrals. Many cities have these credentials front and center on their CVs. What Salamanca has is spirit and energy. It’s a university town and the student population gives it life.
The University of Salamanca is a prestigious institution with architecture and history dating back to its founding in 1218 by King Alfonso IX. It is the oldest university in Spain and the 4th oldest in the world. Today, it is home to over 30,000 students from more than 50 different countries, creating a vibrant and diverse academic community that permeates the entire city.
 |
| The entrance to the Universidad Civil is covered with an immense sandstone carving. Spotting the “Salamanca Frog” in the facade will bring you good luck |
 |
| Medieval graffiti! After graduation in the 1400s, students would write their names or initials on the walls of university buildings using a mixture of bull’s blood, red ochre and varnish. |
 |
There is no shortage of museums in Salamanca, many of which are free |
 |
| The medieval facade to the entrance of the Cathedral was restored in 1992. At this time, the artist added a modern touches: an astronaut! |
 |
The old and the new. Salamanca’s two cathedrals sit side by side. |
Happy Mother's Day Laurel xo. Looks lovely and I certainly can attest to the fact that university and college students add to the life of the community even though my community is much smaller than 30,000 students.
ReplyDelete