If you wish to delve deeper into the history of the University, its colleges, curiosities, and the famous writers who studied or taught here, don\u2019t hesitate to book one of our guided tours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The University of Salamanca<\/strong> is the oldest in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe. Its history is fascinating, and many of its medieval buildings are still preserved today. It\u2019s also famous for several curiosities known all over the world: The Minor Schools<\/em> were similar to today\u2019s high schools. Here, students were trained before entering the Escuelas Mayores<\/em> (the University). The courtyard is beautifully preserved, with traditional Salamanca arches, a central well, and what used to be the old classrooms. From one side, you can see the Cathedral tower \u2013 making this spot perfect for your photos. Today, the University uses this space for offices and exhibitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A statue of Fray Luis de Le\u00f3n<\/strong> greets visitors in this grand courtyard. This 16th-century theology professor is one of the University\u2019s most famous figures. His famous phrase \u201cAs we were saying yesterday\u2026\u201d<\/em> inspired the slogan for the University\u2019s 800th anniversary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the surrounding walls, you\u2019ll notice many red medieval graffiti marks \u2014 these are v\u00edtores<\/em>, symbols painted by students who had graduated, using bull\u2019s blood, paprika, and olive oil to celebrate their success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Fa\u00e7ade of the University of Salamanca<\/strong> is the city\u2019s most famous \u2014 and most mysterious \u2014 landmark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone tries to find the small frog<\/strong> hidden among the rich decoration, which, according to legend, brings good luck. But in the 16th century, this frog had a moral meaning: it was a warning to students that sin led to death. Built in the 15th century, the Historic Building<\/strong> preserves emblematic spaces and represents one of the University\u2019s most important sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the center of the courtyard stands a 150-year-old sequoia<\/strong>, brought from California.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Above each classroom, colorful plaques recall the different subjects once taught there. While most rooms have been renovated (classes were held here until 1940), the Theology Classroom<\/strong> remains intact from the 16th century \u2014 with its wooden benches, candle-like lighting, and a recording that quotes Fray Luis de Le\u00f3n, allowing visitors to imagine what studying here once felt like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Located on the first floor of the building, this library was built in the 16th century to house new volumes. To reach it, visitors ascend the Stairway of Knowledge<\/strong>, whose carvings represent the intellectual journey of students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The library holds around 60,000 books<\/strong> from the 16th to 18th centuries, 2,000 manuscripts<\/strong>, and 400 incunabula<\/strong>. Although visitors cannot enter the reading room to protect the books, it can be viewed through glass. Many of its treasures can also be browsed digitally via the Gredos Repository<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next to the Historic Building is the Miguel de Unamuno House-Museum<\/a>, preserving personal belongings of the famous writer and philosopher \u2014 handwritten notes, glasses, a deck of cards, and his personal library with books in several languages. To learn more about him and other writers linked to Salamanca, book our Famous Writers and Literary Tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With your University ticket, you can also visit one of the surviving University Colleges \u2014 Fonseca College<\/strong>, also known as the Irish College<\/em>. The colleges of Salamanca were founded to host students with limited resources, financed by benefactors. In this case, the Archbishop of Santiago de Compostela created this one for students coming from his city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n General admission: \u20ac10<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reduced (with official guide): \u20ac5<\/p>\n\n\n\n Free admission: Monday afternoons.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n October 16 \u2013 March 31: Monday\u2013Saturday (except holidays), 10:00\u201319:00.<\/p>\n\n\n\n April 1 \u2013 October 15: Monday\u2013Saturday (except holidays), 10:00\u201320:00.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sundays & holidays: 10:00\u201314:00.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The Unamuno House-Museum<\/strong> offers guided visits every hour from 10:00 to 14:00, Monday to Saturday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Escuelas Menores Courtyard<\/strong> and Cielo de Salamanca<\/strong> are free to visit, with the same schedule as the Historic Building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you prefer a group experience or a private visit<\/a>, we offer both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Discover the University\u2019s legends, stories, and secrets<\/strong>, and enjoy a 50% discount on the official entrance fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book your University of Salamanca Guided Tour in English<\/a><\/strong> and learn where Miguel de Cervantes found inspiration<\/strong>, or where Antonio de Nebrija<\/strong> taught the first Spanish grammar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t miss the opportunity to walk through 800 years of knowledge and history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep reading: Visit Salamanca in one day<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Reserve your tour now at tuguiaensalamanca.com<\/a><\/strong>. We\u2019ll make your visit an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Why is there a frog on the University fa\u00e7ade? What books are kept in the Historic Library? Discover all this and more below, and make your visit to the University of Salamanca truly unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat to see inside the University of Salamanca <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Minor Schools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Patio](\"https:\/\/tuguiaensalamanca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/IMG_0051-1024x708.jpg\")
Patio de Escuelas Mayores<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The University Fa\u00e7ade and the Frog legend<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The fa\u00e7ade carries two messages \u2014 one visible to everyone and another, hidden one, that only students could interpret, reminding them that the path to graduation was through virtue.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Historic Building of the University<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Claustro](\"https:\/\/tuguiaensalamanca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Claustro-Escuelas-Mayores-y-secuoya-1024x461.jpg\")
The Old Library of the University of Salamanca<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
However, the University\u2019s first library was founded in 1255<\/strong>, making it the oldest university library in Europe<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are also ten unique \u201cfat and round books,\u201d a playful name given by Diego de Torres Villarroel to describe his collection of globes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Biblioteca](\"https:\/\/tuguiaensalamanca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Old_Library_in_University_of_Salamanca_01-1024x678.jpg\")
Other University related sites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Miguel de Unamuno House-Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The University organizes guided tours, and other locations in Salamanca are connected to his life, such as his house on Calle Bordadores or the Anaya Palace, where he taught.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFonseca College<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Built in the 16th century, it was the last of the major colleges to be constructed. Its Renaissance courtyard, with medallions and perfect proportions, reflects humanist ideals.
The church inside holds a stunning altarpiece by Berruguete<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPractical Information for Visiting the University of Salamanca<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tickets:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Opening hours:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why visit the University of Salamanca with a certified English-speaking guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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