If you plan to stay in Paradores ( we always do and love them) as far as I know it is not advisable to stay in the Parador in Salamanca because it is a little out of town. Better check it.

Salamanca is one of our favorite cities.It is a dream carved in golden stone, a fascinating medieval university town. Its Plaza Mayor is a delightful place to sit down in one of its many cafes. It was built at the beginning of the XVIII Century , at its considered the best Plaza in all Spain. In the evenings many families come to the Plaza, it is like the heart of the town. Built like most of Salamanca in a golden sandstone . We were told that the name of this stone is Piedra de Villamayor.

Salamanca has two Cathedrals built side by side, as we have seen in other Spanish cities, like Placencia, both fascinating and both centuries old. Do not miss the famous Capilla de Santa Barbara where the candidates to a Doctorate Degree used to spend the night before the examination. If you can get a good guide to show you around, there is a lot to see. Visiting the University is a real treat, on the ground floor, the lecture Hall of Fray Luis de Leon has been perfectly preserved since the day in 1573 when the professor in the middle of a lecture was cartered off by the Inquisicion. The library is amazing, full of Incunables, manuscripts,we had the fortune to get in, which is not allowed anymore unless you are lucky to get a permit. The library can be seen through its opened doors now protected by tempered glass.

There many more fabulous buildings , convents, churches etc to visit and one could spend many days just wondering around and eating well in several places.

Among others we enjoyed Rio de la Plata Restaurant, tapas at La Montaraza. We stayed at Hotel El Rector (4 stars) small and quaint, an uphill short walk to the Plaza Mayor. I have heard that the hotel Palacio Castellanos is a better choice.

Graziella Miami Beach