University of Salamanca, Public university in Salamanca, Spain
The University of Salamanca is a public university in Salamanca, Spain, occupying nine campuses with 26 faculties and colleges. The buildings spread throughout the city, with the historic core centered around Plaza de Anaya.
King Alfonso IX of León founded the institution in 1218, making it the oldest university in Spain. The institution reached its peak during the 15th and 16th centuries, when scholars from across Europe came here to study and teach.
Students still gather today in the historic Patio de Escuelas, where the 16th-century golden sandstone facade rises above the main entrance. Visitors often search for the small frog carved into the decoration, believed to bring good luck in exams.
The historic buildings around Plaza de Anaya are accessible to visitors during the day, while modern faculties lie outside the center. Some lecture halls and courtyards may be closed during class hours.
Christopher Columbus met with scholars here to discuss his plans for sailing west before departing in 1492. The library preserves notes and maps from that period.
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