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Objectives of the LessonStudents will use the Internet to obtain information about the city of Salamanca, Spain. Specific topics to be covered include:
Salamanca is often referred to as the "Golden Town." After viewing some photographs of the buildings, you should understand the reason why. Begin by taking a look a these photos of Salamanca. A Brief History of the CitySalamanca's charm lies in its medieval past. There are many Pre-roman remains in and around Salamanca. It is known that Salmántica belonged to the Roman province of Lusitania and was besieged by Hannibal. During the reign of the Moors, Salamanca was conquered by the Arabs. It was to be lost and retaken several times by the Christians. In 1200, Alfonso IX founded the University, which would become renown worldwide. Once in awhile, the Catholic King and Queen came to Salamanca, and King Felipe II was married to María of Portugal in the city. After the War of Succession, Salamanca was recovered by Felipe V, who stayed a short time in the city in 1710. It was then that the decision to build the Plaza Mayor was made. There are many beautiful examples of Spanish Plateresque style to be seen here. As far as historical figures, the city boasts of many well-known poets, philosophers, and authors: Fray Luis de León, Antonio de Nebrija, Miguel de Cervantes, San Juan de la Cruz, and Miguel de Unamuno, to name a few. The Cathedrals
The Old Cathedral of the 12th century is a prime example of Romanic architecture. The "Torre del Gallo" of the cathedral is best seen from the patio Chico, behind the cathedral. It is one of the most beautiful monuments of the Spanish Romanesque. Inside the Old Cathedral is the work of artist Nicolás Florentino, 54 boards with scenes of the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The New Cathedral is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture. It was built during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. It is known for height and spiritual grandeur.
The University The
University of Salamanca is one of the oldest in the world, founded by King
Alfonso IX in 1243, shortly after the Universities of Bologna and Paris. The
building that exists today was built during the time of the Catholic King &
Queen, and is praised for its plateresque style. The façade is highly
ornamented with detailed figures, the most famous is the "frog on a skull."
Everyone tries to find the frog on the facade, usually with no success!
The University's Library contains a collection of some 160,000 volumes. A must to see is the ceiling in the old section of the Library, known as "El Cielo de Salamanca." In the center of the square in front of the University there is statue of Fray Luis de León, a famous poet and professor who was persecuted by the inquisition. When after years in prison he came back to give lessons, his first words were: "As we mentioned yesterday ..." You can visit his classroom in the University, just as it was in the 16th century. Miguel de Cervantes sat at one of them! Near the University is the famous Casa de las Conchas, landmark of the town. The façade of this 15th century house, which is considered one of the most representative examples of Isabellinian Renaissance style, is ornamented with reliefs of Saint Jacob's shells. Plaza Mayor
This large square, created in 18th century by Churriguera, is certainly among the most beautiful in Spain, rivaling the Plaza Mayor of Madrid. It forms the real center of town, both in terms of geography and social life; it is a focal point of daily life in Salamanca. The City Hall is located in the Plaza.
The time of day is kept by the large clock in the Plaza. At all hours of the day, there are people coming and going, or just having relaxing at a café on the Plaza.
El Lazarillo de Tormes
El Puente Romano, the Roman bridge over the river Tormes,
Related Links to SalamancaStudy with LTCC in Salamanca, Fall 2001
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[Lake
Tahoe Community College] [World
Languages Dept.] [LTCC
Study Abroad] |
Salamanca's
cathedral is actually two cathedrals built next to each other, consisting of the New
Cathedral "La Nueva" and the Old Cathedral "La
Vieja." 
It
was in Salamanca that the picaresque novel "El Lazarillo de Tormes"
began. The protagonist was born in the river Tormes, lived in Salamanca
with his mother who ran a boarding house for students. The novel was
published annonomously in 1554. As Lazarillo leaves Salamanca with his
first master, they cross the Roman bridge together. But as we know,
Lazarillo learned a "hard" lesson on the statue by the
bridge. 
one of the best conserved in all Spain. It has 15 arches reconstructed in
the 17th century due to damage caused by flooding; it was part of a main Roman
road passing through Salamanca. Next to the bridge there is an Iberian verraco
(male pig) , representing the pre-Roman Salmantine art, of Celtic origin and
that is portrayed over the shield of the city. It was with one of these
"verracos" that El Lazarillo learned his first lesson while leaving
the city with the Blind Man. At the entrance to the Roman bridge is a
statue to Lazarillo and the Blind Man.