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Salamanca is considered one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe. It is located in central Spain, amidst a landscape strewn with battlefields and castles, in an area where the kingdoms of Castilla and Aragón first unified Spain. From these roots, “Castellano,” or “Spanish,” became dominant throughout Spain. Salamanca’s Plaza Mayor is said to be the most beautiful plaza in Spain. Throughout the centuries, the sandstone buildings have gained an exquisite golden glow that has given Salamanca the nickname “la Ciudad Dorada” – the Golden City. The breathtaking Catedral Vieja and Catedral Nueva rise above the city, overlooking the river Tormes and the Roman Bridge. The Casa de las Conchas is a stunning edifice of shells carved into golden sandstone. One experiences the history of this magical city when roaming the streets and walking through the archways of the old quarter. The university, the winding streets, the inviting architecture, and the warm people welcome newcomers to this enchanting city.

Students who study abroad in Salamanca, Spain with API will take courses at the Universidad de Salamanca. Founded in 1218, the Universidad de Salamanca is the oldest university in Spain. Acknowledged by Pope Alexander IV to be one of the four great universities in the world, it stands in the company of the universities of Bologna, Oxford, and Paris. In 1492, Queen Isabel sought advice from Universidad de Salamanca leaders regarding the exploration venture of Christopher Columbus.

One enters the University through the Patio de las Escuelas. It features the faces of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel, and the walls are marked with the legacy of students, who, upon graduation, have written their initials in an ink of bull’s blood, olive oil, and herbs. Legend has it that there is a frog hidden in the sandstone carvings, and if one finds it, it brings good luck! Inside is the Escuelas Menores building, which houses the department for visiting students.

“Salamanca is such a wonderful place to study abroad if you are new to traveling, like me. The small-town feel keeps it from being too intimidating. Salamanca is great because a majority of people speak Spanish with us. They don't switch to English, which can happen in other cities."

Sienna B. Pacific University
  • Discover More Small Spain Salamana Testimonials

    Cultural Activities

    • Salamanca walk and bike tour
    • Tapas cooking class
    • Salsa lessons
    • Visit bullfighting museum
    • Spanish movie nights
  • Discover More Small Spain Salamanca Staff

    API Gives Back

    API students in Salamanca have the opportunity to give back to their local community through various volunteer projects and community service events.

  • Discover More Small Spain Salamanca To Do

    Things to Do

    Learning the Paso Doble (two-step)

    Search for the hidden frog on the university's main building

    People watch in Spain's grandest Plaza Mayor

    Walk across a 2,000+-year-old Roman bridge

    Explore the Barrio del Oeste and enjoy the street art

  • Discover More Small Spain Salamanca Food

    Food

    Jamón Ibérico (thinly-sliced ham)

    Chorizo (sausage)

    Tapas (appetizers)

    Patatas Meneás (potato dish)

    Pamplina or Maruja salad

    Perruknillas (traditional pastry)

  • Discover More Small Spain Salamanca Festival
  • Discover More Small Spain Salamanca University

    University Highlights

    Founded in 1218, the Universidad de Salamanca is the oldest university in Spain and the birthplace of "Castillian" Spanish. In 2019, the university celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Spanish as a second language courses.

U.S. Staff

On-Site Staff

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Inma Borrego

Inma will be one of your Resident Directors in Salamanca and will be a resource for you on-site.

(she/her/hers)

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Miguel Blanco

Miguel will be one of your Resident Directors in Salamanca and a resource for you while you are in Spain.

(he/him/his)