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204 Km (127 miles) NW of Madrid, 118 Km (73 miles) E of Portugal
This ancient city, famous for its university founded by Alfonso IX in the early 1200s, is well preserved, with turreted palaces, faded convents, Romanesque churches, and colleges that have attracted scholars from all over Europe. The best way to explore Salamanca conveniently is on foot, so arm yourself with a good map and set out to explore. Nearly all the attractions are within walking distance of the Plaza Mayor.
In its day, Salamanca was ranked with Oxford, Paris, and Bologna as one of "the four leading lights of the medieval world." The intellectual life continues to this day, and a large invasion of American students brings added life to the town in summer. Its population has swelled to 180,000 but a provincial aura lingers.
Still a youthful, spirited place because of the venerable Salamanca University, the city has been named a "World Heritage City" by UNESCO, one of six such cities in Spain. No country has more.
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