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Our city: Salamanca

The name Fonseca has its own particular significance in Salamanca.The Camino Fonseca is the Jacobean pathway which links Salamanca to Santiago de Compostela, along the Vía de la Plata as far as the Granja de Moreruela, where it joins up with the Camino Sanabrés which leads to Galicia. Fonseca is also the name of the Colegio (College) built by Diego de Silóe and the Palacio (Palace) built by Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón.

Today, this symbol of artistic distinction is also the home of the abba Fonseca Hotel, which, for the last three years, has shared this historic and artistic site with monuments such as the Casa de las Conchas, the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, the Campo de San Francisco, the Casa Lis museum and the University Hospital, all just a few metres away.

Although little is known of the origins of the city, some archaeological remains have been found dating from the Lower Palaeolithic Period. But the town, which was then known as Helmantica, was really founded during Hannibal’s conquest in the second century B.C. The era of the Catholic Kings brought a wealth of marvels to the city.The city's economic life revolves around the services sector, as it is an important touristic centre. The other driving force remains the University, as well as agriculture and livestock.

Salamanca has been given the status of World Heritage Site and was European Capital of Culture in 2002. In 2005 Salamanca hosted the Spanish/Latin American Summit and also celebrated the 250th anniversary of its Plaza Mayor (Main Square).

Places of interest

Touristic route no. 1

The Plaza Mayor (main square), the Casa de las Conchas, Clerecía, the University, the Museo Provincial, the Puente Romano, the Catedral Vieja (Old Cathedral), the Catedral Nueva (New Cathedral), the Museo Casa Lis.

Touristic route no. 2

The Palacio de la Salina, the Torre del Clavero, the Palacio Orellana, the Palacio Abrantes, San Estéban, the Convento de las Dueñas, Calatrava, Sancti Spiritus, the Torre del Aire.

Touristic route no. 3

The Palacio R Figueroa, the Palacio Solís, the Palacio Garcigrande, San Boal, San Marcos, the Casa de Santa Teresa, the Casa Doña Maria la Brava, the Casa Rodríguez Manzano.

Festivals of interest

Festivals of interest

The city's best-known customs and traditions are:

The 'Mariquelo' on 1st November, when a person climbs to the weathervane of the cathedral to commemorate the earthquake in Lisbon in 1755.

Las Aguedas, on 5th February, Married Women's Day.

Semana Santa (last week of Lent), which has been declared of Regional Touristic Interest.

Lunes de Aguas, the Monday after Easter Monday, the festival marking the beginning of springtime.

The Fiestas de la Virgen de la Vega and San Mateo, from 8th to 21st September, with the Feria Taurina, Agrícola and Ganadera (Bullfighting, Agriculture and Livestock Festival).

San Juan de Sahagún, the patron saint's day, with processions of people in giant masks, charades and drums.

Events

Xacobeo 2010

This Holy Year offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the Camino de Santiago as a place of pilgrimage and a meeting point for people of different nations that has become a symbol of fraternity over the centuries and a corner stone of an awareness of Europe, as affirmed by the Prince of Asturias Award for Concord won in 2004.

The Holy Year Xacobeo 2010 is very important as it symbolises the end of a cycle which has been particularly prominent for the number of pilgrims who have followed the Camino de Santiago over the years. Given the leap years, the Feast of St. James on 25th July falls on a Sunday every 11, 6, 5, 6 and then 11 years. So there won’t be another ‘Jacobeo’ until 2021.

In order to obtain the jubilee, all pilgrims must honour the three traditions:

  • Visit the grave of the Apostle in the Cathedral and pray.
  • Receive the Sacrament of Confession (either in the Cathedral or anywhere else, two weeks earlier or afterwards).
  • Receive communion.

This indulgence is applicable to the deceased. Jubilee indulgences are granted once a day under the following conditions:
  • Visiting the Cathedral while praying.
  • Receiving the Sacraments of Confession (two weeks earlier or afterwards) and the Holy Communion.

The Xacobeo 2010 programme has been designed to satisfy the cultural needs of different audiences and different ages. Large and small scale shows, musical performances and projects are being organised covering a range of artistic disciplines: photography, animation and film, and exhibitions.

Further Information