Salamanca's Plaza Mayor in all it's night-time lit up glory!
We totally lucked out, because the Junta de Semana Santa de Salamanca, which usually only happens once/yr during Holy Week, but was also for some reason happening the night we arrived! It was so cool. Each of the cathedrals in town had a "float" (that's my word for it; I'm not sure what it's actually called?) showing a part of Christ's life. These were carried by dozens of men underneath the float. Most had candles on them to light them up and most of them had musicians in front of or behind their float. They paraded throughout the plaza and the surrounding streets and it was truly a sight to behold!
Here are just a few.
Our hotel (NH Collection Salamanca Palacio de Castellanos, which I highly recommend!) was located directly across the street from a church, so even after we retired for the night, we were able to see the "float" and surrounding fanfare return to it's "home" from our rooms, which was super cool!
The next morning, we went back to the Plaza again. It was very different seeing it in the natural light without all the crowds and parade. But also able to soak in the history and details of it a little more. It's a huge plaza!
Here's me leading our little group in a little history tour telling us all about the plaza.
Plaza Mayor was built from 1729-1755. Bullfights were actually held here until 1893.
The plaza is known as Salamanca's "living room" where it's residents come to hang out, have a coffee and socialize.
I know this entry is supposed to only be about the Plaza, but it's worth commenting on a few of the plaza's surroundings such as Calle Rua Mayor.
And Casa de las Conchas (to the right with the seashells encrusted onto its facade) with La Clerecia Church to the left.
The inside courtyard of Casa de las Conchas with La Clerecia Church in the background.
Salamanca Cathedral
Climbing to the rooftop - totally worth it!
It's always fun to look down and see the sign of the El Camino since Salamanca sits on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route from Seville to Galicia.
And the University of Salamanca
Try to find the frog on the entrance facade for good luck!
We had a long full day with lots of things I didn't post (since the focus is only on the Plaza) but the Plaza was so awesome that even after a loooong late dinner, we still made our way back to the Plaza just to see it one more time before leaving the following morning.
VERDICT: Yes! I've been to a lot of European plazas at this point, but this one was truly memorable and spectacular. It was huge, but still held charm. I loved the flags, the banners, the lights, the archways, the details, the gelato shop, the history, the cleanliness. It had it all! Everyone should experience a European plaza at least once in your lives and this one is as good as it gets! And if you can purposely (or accidentally 😉) time it to coincide with the Junta de Samana, then all the better!
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