Our walk starts at the Plaza Mayor, constructed in the 18th century, it is located in the heart of Salamanca. This vital center of the city fills with busltling activity every day. A friendly atmosphere full of light, it provides the visitor with a good feeling and attracts all kinds of people like a magnet with its good vibes. 

When it rains the center of the plaza is deserted and the arches are full of people walking towards their destination under the protection of the overhang. At night the ilumination of the Plaza is marvellous and gives a sensation of power and an impression that the plaza is much bigger and full of life than during the day.  

If you stop a moment in the Plaza and close your eyes, the noise and bustle of the crowds begins to sound like a rush of water. It is also fun to watch the people waiting under the clock, a typical meeting place, and see the expressions of impatients on their faces as they await the arrival of a friend, an acquaintance, girlfriend or boyfriend. But the best part is eating an ice cream at one of the many terrace-cafes while you watch.  

On one side is the sculpture of Maestro Salinas and to the other side you discover the Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells). This mansion can be considered one of the most representative of architecture of the period of the Catholic Kings.

It first belonged to the Maldonado family, but later was owned by a profesor of medicine at the university, having been recently made Chancellor of the Order of “Santiago”, decorated the exterior with 350 small “concha” shell decorations in relief that cover the surface. The scallop shell motif is the symbol of the Order of Saint James. Today this building houses the public library and a toursit office. The number 14 is important in the interior of the building: there is a decorative square patio with 14 interlaced columns, with 14 lions, 14 arches and 14 devils that peer despisingly down at you. In the center there is a well full of coins that people left behind to make a  wish. The patio is also decorated with family shields and Flor de Lis, among other ornamentation. A decorative staircase leads us upstair to an exhibition hall with a precious artistic ceiling. Just to see this building makes the trip to Salamanca worthwhile!

Leaving through the door that leads to the Calle Compañía, you find the immense La Clerecía, a series of buildings comprised of the church and the Universidad Pontifica which pertains to the order of the Jesuits. Crossing the Plaza de San Isidro and continuing down the Calle Libreros we find the famous frontspiece of the University in the Patio de Escuelas, one of the finest works of Classical Plateresque. You will often find many tourists contemplating this marvellous sight, and earnestly searching for the frog over the expanse of the building. The frog symbolizes lust, and, associated with the skull it sits on, represents the fleetingness of the pleasures of the flesh.

Finishing our walk with a coffee in the Plaza Mayor, we return to Escuela Internacional to continue our day, and continue studying Spanish and learning about this magical city.