Cueva de Salamanca, Underground museum in historic Salamanca, Spain
The Cueva de Salamanca is an underground crypt next to the Marquis of Villena Tower that belonged to the former San Cebrián Church. The space shows stone walls and vaulted ceilings from the twelfth century that remain today.
The crypt was part of the Romanesque San Cebrián Church that stood at this location in the twelfth century. The church was demolished in the sixteenth century while the underground chamber remained.
The name comes from medieval legends in which the Devil disguised as a sexton taught seven students dark arts over seven years. These stories tell that one student always remained as payment while the others escaped.
Access to the underground space is possible daily from ten in the morning until ten in the evening, and entry is free. Wheelchair users cannot visit the crypt due to the staircase.
The legend influenced literature in Spanish-speaking countries and led to the creation of similar places in South America. These sites also called salamancas are associated with shamanic practices.
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