Salamanca Province

History, culture and tradition form the backbone of this province. This is the place on which the foundations of the Spanish concept were laid and its geographic position has lent itself to being the cradle of learning, innovation and intellectual development.

Near to the capital city are many towns and villages of huge architectural and cultural interest.

Many churches display elaborate altarpieces; historical footnotes forged by the master craftsmen whose names continue to inspire artistic reverence. For example, in Villares de la Reina the church, begun at the beginning of the 17th century, possesses a sacristy created by Juan de Ribero and Simon de Monasterio as well as important Baroque paintings.

The River Águeda marks the boundary between Salamanca and Portugal. This isn’t the only reminder of the frontier being so close and relations between the two countries having been a bit unstable for many centuries. Dotted around the countryside like confetti are many castles that protected the frontier from their neighbour. Amongst those that come in for special mention are the medieval castle of Sand Felices de los Gallegos that was once a powerful and almost impregnable fortress.

The south of the province is home to some of nature’s untouched wilderness. Here are thick woods of oak and chestnut that spill untouched across the flanks of the Sierra de Francia and which are home to some of the most threatened species of Iberian fauna. The Peña de Francia is 1,723 metres high and, once the top has been achieved, the visitor will discover the charming hermitage of the Venerated Virgin. A series of viewing points provides an unparalleled view across the whole of the area.

Place worth a Visit

The castle of Aldea del Obispo, which is also located opposite the Portuguese border, was, in its day, one of the most powerful fortresses to protect the Spanish border. Now a ruin, the castle was built in 1736 and is composed of three distinct constructions. The state of preservation of the castle, the result of fierce fighting during the War of Independence, only goes to enhance its enigmatic nature.

At the feet of the Sierra de Francia are some of the most charming villages in the whole of Spain such as La Alberca, Mogarraz and Mirando. La Alberca is a typical medieval town that still preserves the streets as they were during the time of the Moors. The town is also filled with noble houses and the church is perhaps the most astounding example of romanic architecture in the province of Castille y León

Watered by the cool rivers coming off the Sierra de Francia is one of the towns that is perhaps the most covetously preserved town of the Sierras. San Martín del Castañar comprises of medieval houses made of wood. The church tower is of romanic construction and has an unusual balcony that is attached to the front of the façade. The castle and the historic bullring are also worthy of visiting and marvelling at the detail of conservation.

Gastronomy

The local gastronomy forms a major part of the Salamancan identity. As its an interior zone with a continental climate that is hot in summer and cold in winter, the most popular and famous dishes revolve around fresh or cured meats such as goat, lamb, beef (including bull). The sausages or ‘embutidos’ are especially succulent and are renowned throughout Spain.

Sheep cheeses and vegetables also form part of the popular and traditional gastronomy of the region. And, even though the province is not near the sea, fresh water fish such as trout, frog’s legs and crab are all enjoyed as part of the staple diet. Naturally, sweet dishes are particularly enjoyed, these include the turrón de La Alberca, honey, rosquillas, sweet chestnuts, succulent cherries and much, much more.

More information:

http://www.dipsanet.es/turismo/default_e.htm
http://www.salamanca.es/inicio.aspx

Local Festivals

Carnival in Ciudad Rodrigo. It is similar to the famous Sanfermines of Pamplona in that bulls run through the streets of the town to the bullring with several amateur toreros, who want to prove their bravado or show off to their girls, ahead of them.

In February the Fiesta del Almendro in Fregeneda is held. This is a celebration of the blossoming almond-trees and, during the festival, people in boats cross the river Duero, the river that marks the frontier between Spain and Portugal.

The fiesta of "Lunes de Aguas" has a rather curious history. During Easter Monday in Salamanca in the middle-ages people crossed the river in boats decorated with flowers to bring back prostitutes to the town. These girls had not been allowed to remain in the town during the 40 days of Lent. Today the festival is not so explicit but rather one of a more family-type character.

Corpus Christi offers some colourful and over-the-top processions. Watching them arrive inside of the Cathedral is particularly beautiful.

On August, 15th in La Alberca, the festival Ofertorio takes place. This celebration is in honour of the Holy Virgin. The festival is of particular interest for its folkloristic style and the regional dresses.