University of Salamanca
Spain's oldest university, a historic gem in a vibrant city, famous for its intricate facade and the legendary lucky frog.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
University of Salamanca
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Spain's oldest university, a historic gem in a vibrant city, famous for its intricate facade and the legendary lucky frog.
"It's the oldest University in the world: 8 hundred years old. The city's life stems around the 'Alma Mater'."
🎯 Find the Frog!
Look for the frog on the Escuelas Menores facade for good luck. It's a fun challenge!
🚶♀️ Walk Everywhere
Salamanca is a very walkable city, perfect for exploring its historic streets.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
University Facade
Escuelas Menores
Marvel at the intricate Plateresque facade, a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Spot the legendary frog for good luck!
Historic Library
University of Salamanca
Step into the stunning historical library, a treasure trove of ancient knowledge and a testament to centuries of learning.
Plaza Mayor
Salamanca City Center
While not directly part of the university, this grand square is the heart of Salamanca and a perfect spot to soak in the city's atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Student Vibe
The Famous Frog Hunt
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find the Frog!
Look for the frog on the Escuelas Menores facade for good luck. It's a fun challenge!
🚶♀️ Walk Everywhere
Salamanca is a very walkable city, perfect for exploring its historic streets.
🏛️ Admire the Architecture
Don't just focus on the frog; the entire facade and surrounding buildings are stunning.
📚 Visit the Library
The historical library is a must-see for its beauty and historical significance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find the Frog!
Look for the frog on the Escuelas Menores facade for good luck. It's a fun challenge!
🚶♀️ Walk Everywhere
Salamanca is a very walkable city, perfect for exploring its historic streets.
🏛️ Admire the Architecture
Don't just focus on the frog; the entire facade and surrounding buildings are stunning.
📚 Visit the Library
The historical library is a must-see for its beauty and historical significance.
🎓 Student City Vibe
Experience the youthful energy of Salamanca, a major hub for international students.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the University of Salamanca's immense historical significance and stunning architecture, particularly the intricate Plateresque facade. The vibrant student atmosphere and the fun tradition of finding the 'frog on the skull' add to its charm. Some find the frog itself underwhelming compared to the hype, and the crowds can be significant during peak times.
"It is the oldest University in the world: 8 hundred years old. The city's life stems around the 'Alma Mater' so the environment is young and unconventual. The olden part of the city is barroque plateresc, tipical of Salamanca. Has an enomous history.
If you care for all this you must visit this place. If you are a student interested in Spain this is the University to come to."
Cris G. Loygorri
".
There are always hordes of people standing, bemused, and looking up at the façade of the Escuelas Menores.
Trying to see that flipping frog.
If you are the first person in your group to see it, you are guaranteed good luck all year. Or possibly just in your exams - there are different versions. Buy a lottery ticket anyway, if it's you.
:-)
But if you can't see it, and someone finally points it out to you, you can't believe that there is so much of a fuss made about it. Especially when it actually doesn't look like a frog at all, just a shapeless lump of plasticine on top of the skull.
TIP 1: If you want to find it yourself, stop reading now, because at the end I'm going to tell you where it is, in TIP 4. (But actually, tips 2, 3 and 5 are worth reading . . .)
TIP 2: You can buy wooden frogs, ceramic frogs, fluffy frogs, plastic frogs and probably hand-knitted-by-an-old-lady frogs in the tourist shops in the Rua Mayor.
TIP 3: Remember what the philosopher Unamuno said. Well, you probably can't remember because you don't know that he said it in the first place. :-) But he, a distinguished Salamanca resident and Professor, said: "It's not that they can see the frog, it's that they can see nothing BUT the frog".
In other words stop, turn around, and admire the whole of the little square, an architectural gem in its own right, never mind that flipping amphibian!
TIP 4: So where is it then?
Look straight ahead, then to the right - there is a column. About half way up there is a sort of overhang of the column, and there you will see three skulls - said to represent the dead children of Queen Isabel. The left-hand skull has a shapeless lump on it.
That's it. That's the famous frog.
TIP 5: Much more fun to go to the New Cathedral, built in 16th-18th centuries, and find the carving of an astronaut, and of a dragon eating an ice-cream cone. :-)
."
Jennifer Longhurst
"Amazing place with an outstanding history."
Veríssimo Lima
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The University of Salamanca is located in the city center, easily accessible by foot from most accommodations. If arriving from outside the city, you can take a bus or train to Salamanca and then walk or take a local bus to the university area.
Yes, it's a popular day trip! You can reach Salamanca from Madrid by train or bus in about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Salamanca is a very walkable city, and most of the main attractions, including the university, are within easy reach on foot.
Parking in the historic center can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk if possible.
Salamanca does not have its own major airport. The closest international airports are in Madrid (MAD) or Valladolid (VLL), from where you can take a bus or train to Salamanca.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the exterior is freely accessible, you typically need a ticket to visit the historic parts of the university, such as the library and cloister.
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, a combined ticket for the main university buildings and library is around €10-€15. Check the official website for current pricing.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and may differ for specific buildings. It's best to check the official University of Salamanca website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, you can explore many parts of the university independently with a general admission ticket. Guided tours are also available and can offer deeper historical insights.
The frog carving is on the exterior facade and can be seen during daylight hours when the university buildings are accessible.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The 'frog on the skull' is a small carving on the Escuelas Menores facade, believed to bring good luck to students who spot it. It's a popular tradition for visitors.
Key highlights include the intricate Plateresque facade of Escuelas Menores, the stunning historical Library, and the cloister.
Absolutely! The golden sandstone architecture, intricate details, and historic interiors offer fantastic photographic opportunities. 
Besides the famous frog, some visitors have noted other interesting carvings, like an astronaut and a dragon eating ice cream on the New Cathedral, which is nearby.
Founded in 1218, it's one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest in the Hispanic world, playing a crucial role in intellectual history.
🎫 🎓 Study & Programs
While the primary language of instruction is Spanish, the university offers some programs and courses taught in English, particularly at the postgraduate level.
The university is very popular with international students, especially for Spanish language and culture programs, and Erasmus exchanges.
Yes, the University of Salamanca is well-known for its intensive Spanish language and culture courses, often offered during the summer.
Salamanca has a vibrant student atmosphere, with many young people from around the world contributing to a lively social and cultural scene.
Compared to many other European universities, Salamanca offers relatively affordable tuition fees, especially for Spanish-taught programs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the university itself is the main draw, the city of Salamanca offers other family-friendly attractions. The New Cathedral, with its unique carvings like an astronaut, can also be a point of interest. Pack comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking, and be prepared for the Spanish sun during warmer months.
🎓 Students & Budget Travelers
Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to shared apartments, often catering specifically to students. Getting around Salamanca is easy and cheap, as the city is very walkable. Look for student discounts on attractions and be sure to explore local markets for affordable eats. The university's historical significance and the city's charm make it an enriching experience without breaking the bank.
🏛️ History & Architecture Enthusiasts
Beyond the famous facade, explore the ancient library, the cloister, and the surrounding historic university buildings. The nearby New Cathedral also features fascinating architectural details, including modern carvings that offer a unique contrast to the ancient structures. Salamanca's golden sandstone buildings lend a warm, historic glow to the entire city, making it a photographer's paradise.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Frog
While the frog hunt is a popular pastime, some reviews suggest that visitors should not let it distract from the overall architectural splendor of the university. The intricate Plateresque style of the facade, with its detailed ornamentation, is a significant work of art in itself. Taking a moment to appreciate the entire facade, rather than just focusing on the small frog, is often recommended for a more complete experience.
For those determined to find it, the frog is typically located on the right-hand side of the main facade, on a column near three skulls. However, the joy of the hunt is often in the discovery itself, making it a memorable part of any visit to the University of Salamanca.
A Glimpse into History
The university's historical buildings are architectural marvels. The Escuelas Menores, with its stunning Plateresque facade, is a prime example of the ornate Spanish Renaissance style. Inside, visitors can explore the magnificent historical Library, a treasure trove of ancient manuscripts and books, and wander through the cloister, imagining the lives of scholars from centuries past. These spaces offer a tangible connection to the university's rich and enduring legacy.
Salamanca itself is deeply intertwined with its university. The city's atmosphere is infused with a youthful energy, thanks to a large student population from Spain and abroad. This blend of ancient history and vibrant student life makes Salamanca a unique and captivating destination for anyone interested in culture, education, and Spanish heritage.
Studying Abroad in Salamanca
+1The city offers a welcoming environment for 'Erasmus' students and those on study abroad programs. The student population ensures a lively social scene, with numerous bars, cafes, and cultural events catering to young people. The compact nature of Salamanca means that students can easily navigate the city on foot, fostering a strong sense of community among its international residents.
While Spanish is the primary language of instruction, the university also offers some programs and courses in English, particularly at the master's level, making it accessible to a wider range of international students. The prospect of studying in a historic European city with a dynamic student life makes the University of Salamanca an attractive option for many.
+1
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