Salamanca is a Place of Learning for Owners Wishing to Learn Spanish

OWNERS DIRECT need to learn Spanish which should really be a prerequisite. In truth most do not bother but it is something they will need at some point. Salamanca may just be the ideal place for it. Studying has been an important aspect of the city for centuries and is respected throughout Spain as a learning centre, not only for Spanish students but students from every country worldwide are invited to study here.



The Romans when they arrived in Salamanca built the 15 granite stone arch bridge that spans the Rio Tormes. Built in 89 AD the bridge has been the only entrance and exit from Salamanca since. During the 17th century floods severely damaged the bridge where it needed reconstructing. The bridge formed part of the Roman silver route "Vía de la Plata" which ran from Merida to Astorga. On the end of the bridge is the stone pig, originally carved by the pre Roman Celtic tribe Vacceos represents salmantine art and is recognised locally as the guardian of the city. At one time the town’s people felt that it was a bad omen and the mayor threw the pig into the Rio Tormes: his successor though pulled it out and had it installed on the end of the bridge where it now stands.



Salamanca is believed to have the most beautiful plaza in all of Spain and on occasion it doubles as the city’s bullring. The Plaza Mayor de Salamanca is surrounded by arcades with different boutiques, souvenir stores, bars and restaurants. It was originally built as the town market: construction started in 1729 and finished in 1763. There are worse places to stop for a coffee than this Plaza which in the evenings is a popular place for students from the university. They often collectively band together, uniformly wearing in black and red trousers, carrying violins and guitars and often stopping in one of the local bars. There they sing local songs, attracting crowds and drinking freely, usually offered to them on the house.



The Convent of the Ladies is a 15th century Moorish structure which was once a private home until it was donated to a group of Duenas (aristocratic nuns or pious women of high standing). Only part of the 16th century Renaissance cloister is open to the public. Where in other parts of Salamanca, the rich stone carving on the walls are often too high or in darkened places to be seen easily, here on the cloisters upper level and only slightly above the eye the figures can be clearly seen: grotesque human and animal figures charming and amusing are easily spotted. In the shop ("despacho") at the entrance of the courtyard, the duenna's sell confectionery and homemade sweets.



There are many things that a tourist may enter and find amusing around Salamanca and the "House of Shells" is no exception. The name of the house almost gives it away: it’s covered with carved seashells. This famous landmark dates back to the 15th century and incorporates Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance design elements. The international symbol for pilgrims is the scallop shell and that is also the emblem of Santiago (St James). Today it is used to mark the Pilgrims route to Santiago de Compostela. The building is now a public general library and it is free to enter although the interior has very little of the original designs of the house intact.



The history of the town and the fabulous architecture may all be seemingly at odds with the younger generation that permeates throughout the city due to the many universities and houses of learning there. But Salamanca is an ideal place to learn Spanish as it is where the real Spanish or pure Spanish language is taught. If you happen to have property in Spain and you have yet to learn the language then suggest OWNERS DIRECT themselves to this city now. You may just need what is taught here one day.