Texas Travel Destinations - Spain - The Golden City salamanca,

And is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, salamanca was a European Capital of Culture in 2002. Salamanca gets the nickname from the glowing sandstone from local Villamayor that is used in the construction of its buildings. And is nicknamed "the Golden City", salamanca is located close to Portugal in western Spain, 000, with a 2005 population of 160.

And was begun in the early 1500s and not completed until the 1700s, the adjoining "new" Cathedral is in Gothic style. The old Romanesque Cathedral was founded in the 12th century and features a magnificent dome. And dominating the skyline are Salamanca's two Cathedrals, salamanca is also known for the number of magnificent early churches. The El Puente Romano over the River Tormes, and in fact features one of the best preserved Roman bridges in Spain, it was also inhabited by the Romans. Having been conquered by Hannibal in the third century BC, salamanca is a very old city.

And help to give the city its lively flavor, 000 or so students make up a significant portion of the population, the 40. In the late 15th century you would have found Christopher Columbus lecturing here on his discoveries. Spaniards come from all over the country to study the Spanish language here. Which was founded in 1218 and is known as the place where the purest Spanish is taught and spoken, salamanca has a particular claim to fame in its University.

As many of the finest monuments of the city are located in the surrounding streets, it is a great place to start for exploration of the old town. The Plaza was built in the 18th century and is regarded as one of the finest squares in Spain, originally a venue for bullfighting. The central square in the city which is known as the living room of the Salamancans, one place you will find many of the students having fun is in the Plaza Mayor.

Many interesting museums and other points of interest will leave no doubt as to why tourism is the primary economic activity in this city. As Salamanca is considered to be one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in all of Europe, there are also many other worthwhile sites to visit in this cosmopolitan city.