Salamanca is located in the autonomous region of Castilla y Leon, around 125 miles (200km) northwest of Madrid. The city is famous for its university and numerous historic monuments, which include cathedrals, palaces, convents and churches. Salamanca also enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status, and in 2002 it was European Capital of Culture. Most of the city's sights are situated in a small area, within easy reach of the main Rua Mayor thoroughfare.

After King Alfonso IX founded the city's university in 1218, Salamanca soon gained an international reputation as a renowned seat of learning. The Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, provided funds for various architectural projects, in particular the New Cathedral, in the early 16th century. Salamanca was occupied by the French during the Napoleonic Wars, although the Duke of Wellington defeated them at the famous Battle of Salamanca. Today the city has a lively and youthful feel, although the university is no longer the leading academic institution it once was.

Salamanca has twin cathedrals which are named, appropriately, Catedral Nueva (New Cathedral) and Catedral Vieja (Old Cathedral). Construction of the New Cathedral started in 1513 and it was completed over two centuries later. Consequently the building displays an interesting mixture of architectural styles, including Gothic and Baroque. Notable features of the New Cathedral are the beautifully decorated dome and the carvings on the facade which represent the life of Christ. The Old Cathedral contrasts sharply with its newer counterpart due to the simplicity of the building's Romanesque design. Dating from the mid 12th century, the Old Cathedral contains some interesting 13th century frescoes within the Capilla de San Martin.

The focal point of the city is the famous Plaza Mayor, arguably the most beautiful square in Spain. Around its perimeter are numerous open-air cafes, while the grandiose town hall stands on the northern side of the square. Just off Plaza Mayor is one of Salamanca's more unusual and most photographed attractions - the Casa de las Conchas or House of Shells. The facade of this 14th century mansion is covered with scallop shells carved from stone. These shells honour the pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela. Close to the Casa de las Conchas is the 17th century Baroque church of La Clerecia, notable for its twin spires.

Famous people to have attended Salamanca University include the writer Miguel de Cervantes and the explorer Hernan Cortes. A statue of Fray Luis de Leon, who was famously imprisoned by the Spanish Inquisition for five years, stands in the university's Patio de Escuelas. The 16th century church of San Esteban, situated next to the university, is notable for its carved facade, best seen in the evening light.

The museum of Art Nouveau and Art Deco has a collection of over 1,500 pieces, including paintings, furniture, jewelry and porcelain dolls. There are also works by the celebrated glassmaker, Rene Lalique. The pieces are all part of the Manuel Ramos Andrade Foundation.

Salamanca's tourist office is situated in Plaza Mayor and is open daily. The city does not have an airport, but there are regular buses and trains from Madrid.

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For more advice and tourist information about Salamanca please see Salamanca Spain.