Universidad de Salamanca

The University of Salamanca, which was established in 1218, is the focal point of the city. It was originally known as the Estudio General and became the equivalent of Oxford and Bologna. By the end of the 15th century, it was no wonder at all that the city became the center of some of the richest artistic activity in the country.

Its main entrance is a marvel in itself, exemplifying the Spanish Plateresque, which is an architectural style named after the work of the plateros (silversmiths). Basically, the sandstone of the region hardens and weathers like granite over time, creating the illusion of silver filigree work on stone.