Island Hopping 2024: Salamanca, a Bridge, a University, a Cathedral and a Frog

Today's jaunt through Salamanca was a delightful dive into Spain's rich history and flavors. 

First stop: the Roman Bridge. Built in the 1st century BC, these ancient stones whispered tales of Roman legions and echoed our footsteps as we crossed the Tormes River. It's like stepping back in time and connecting with the engineers of antiquity. 

Walking across the Roman Bridge

Salamanca Cathedral from Roman Bridge

The Roman Bridge

Built in the 1st century B.C.  Over-engineered?

Salamanca is cold!  So next we began a quest to keep Sandy toasty in the crisp winter air. A charming boutique near Plaza Mayor became our haven for snagging a jacket, the kind that's as stylish as it is functional—keeping her cozy as together we explored this cultural gem. 

Buying Sandy's jacket

Next up, the grand Salamanca Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece, started in the 12th century and completed in the 14th century, soars above the cityscape. Walking through its hallowed halls, the intricate chapels and stunning stained glass revealed a spiritual journey spanning centuries. This cathedral is not just a building, it’s a time machine.

Dead people are buried under the church floors

A chapel in the cathedral

Stark and painful statues in the Cathedral

Look closely, this is a relic, the actual bone of some dead guy, 

in this case, a leg bone. Saved and revered as a testament to his sainthood.

One of many altars

One of the approaches to the Cathedral

Even the ceiling is ornate

A reminder to be good

It is said that the pictures were used to help the priest explain the stories of Christ

Then, a pilgrimage to the University of Salamanca, where academic history oozes from every stone. Established in 1218, this venerable institution has seen the likes of Columbus (yes, our Columbus!) and Cortez.  As we hunted for the famous frog that sits on a skull in the façade of one of the columns and which brings good fortune to those who find it, the campus whispered tales of wisdom and wit.

The monk Luis de Leon, worked to translate the Bible into the common man's Spanish, was arrested for that and spent five years in prison.  Upon his release, he started his first lecture with "As we were saying"

The Public Library

The shells of Santiago

An academic building at Salamanca University (800 years old)

The Lucky Frog

Lunch brought its own adventure—a simple yet exquisite Jamón and cheese baguette...the Spanish ham paired with local cheese between crusty bread. A flavor explosion, heightened by sips of Coca-Cola, bringing an international twist to a traditional feast.  Sandy stole some of the cheese from my sandwich. (She also stole a pen from the Hotel Rangá.)

There is nothing else like Spanish Ham

As the day unfolded, we meandered through Salamanca's narrow streets, the ochre hues of sandstone buildings reflecting the sunlight. Plaza Mayor, bathed in the golden glow of dusk, again became the stage for the vibrant local life. Now, jacket-clad Sandy and I reveled in the lively ambiance, the perfect ending to a day where history, culture, and cuisine waltzed in harmony.

For dinner, more Tapas ...

                                                              ... in an enchanting setting