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).