WITNESS TO SALAMANCA'S HISTORY
The Botanical Archaeological Park of Salamanca is a valuable historical refuge, housing significant remains of the Convent of the Augustinians, the Church of San Pedro, and one of the city’s Major Colleges. These colleges, symbols of education and administration of the time, were frequented by notable figures such as Saint John of Sahagún and Fray Luis de León. The park offers a journey through Salamanca’s history, revealing the importance of education and religious life in the city during its period of splendor.
During Salamanca’s moments of civil and religious prosperity, it has been the scene of important discoveries. The ruins of ancient major colleges and convents underscore the historical relevance of these centers of education and religious life. Among the unearthed structures, the Snow Well stands out as a testament to the ingenious methods of food preservation and provision of essential resources like ice, vital for life in the city in past centuries.
The Botanical Archaeological Park unfolds as a time capsule, connecting visitors with vestiges spanning from the Second Iron Age and the 4th century BC to the War of Independence in the 19th century. This extensive archaeological site is a testament to Salamanca’s rich history, with every corner narrating the life and events that have shaped the city. Although its name suggests a green space, the park reveals ancient streets and buildings destroyed during the War of Independence, inviting explorers and academics to discover its secrets and appreciate Salamanca’s profound cultural heritage.
The Botánico represents life, construction, and destruction over 2,400 years, encompassing vestiges of the Roman city, the splendor of the Golden Age, and the devastation of the War of Independence. This archaeological park, once one of Salamanca's authentic golden miles, housed properties of great economic value due to their proximity to the Cathedral and the University of Salamanca, situated at the epicenter of knowledge and religion. In a space of almost 3,400 square meters in the city center, remains of the Roman and pre-Roman city coexist with those from the cultural flourishing of the Golden Age, with its brilliant contribution to modern thought.
The archaeological study of this space, viewed from a stratigraphic perspective, reveals answers to 2,400 years of Salamanca's history. From the pre-Roman population (3rd-1st centuries BC), through the Roman city, the medieval city and its Jewish quarter, to the Golden Age with the Convent of the Augustinians, the Church of San Pedro, and the Colegio Mayor de Cuenca. The War of Independence destroyed these buildings, and subsequently, the site housed a power plant, to finally become an athletic track. This rich archaeological site shows the continuous cycle of life and death, splendor and decline, success and failure that has defined Salamanca's history.
PRECURSOR BUILDINGS
OF KNOWLEDGE
CONVENT OF SAN AGUSTÍN
The Convent of the Augustinians, whose foundation dates between 1163 and 1377, is a place of immense historical and architectural value in Salamanca. Its main chapel was attributed to Juan de Álava, director of the works of the New Cathedral and other prestigious buildings. This convent extended over 10,000 square meters, encompassing the current archaeological park and reaching to the Plaza de la Merced and Plaza de Fray Luis de León. For centuries, it was a university center for theology with a notable library and renowned faculty, including figures such as Saint John of Sahagún and Fray Luis de León.
Today, the archaeological park reveals fascinating remains of the convent, such as the kitchens, granary, cloister, galleries, guest houses, infirmary, and cellar, providing a detailed insight into daily life and organization within the religious community. These findings allow us to imagine the bustle of meal preparation, crop storage, and the spiritual and social life that animated the convent. The cellar, in particular, shows the importance of wine preservation at the time.
The convent suffered several fires, the most devastating in 1744, which destroyed most of its library. During the War of Independence, French troops expelled the friars and used the convent as a fortification against British attacks led by the Duke of Wellington. In 1810, the convent was set on fire again and subsequently demolished by the French, before being disentailed. These events marked the end of an era for this important religious and academic center.
Colegio Mayor de Cuenca
The Botánico housed the Colegio Mayor de Cuenca, one of the six classic Spanish major colleges, and a cradle of scholars and thinkers. Located north of San Pedro Street, its cloister or main facade must have also had great aesthetic value, constituting an important center of knowledge linked to the University of Salamanca. Its construction began in the 16th century, under the direction of Juan de Álava, although the works extended until the 18th century.
It was one of the most notable buildings in the city. Its founder, Diego Ramírez de Villaescusa, was the Bishop of Cuenca and a former student of the University of Salamanca. During the War of Independence, under French occupation, the former College was used as a barracks and in 1812 it was demolished for strategic reasons and to reuse its stone in other defensive constructions in the city.
The Colegio Mayor de Cuenca featured the participation of Alberto de Churriguera, with a monumental staircase that provided access to the upper floors. The chapel of the College itself was the work of José Benito de Churriguera. This denotes the importance of the building, as it employed the best architects of the time.
SAN PEDRO / CUENCA STREET
In the archaeological site, a main street stands out, acting as a dividing axis. On one side is the Colegio Mayor de Cuenca and on the other the Convent of the Augustinians, while at the end is the church of San Pedro. This road is named as such because it connected the church of San Pedro with the now-disappeared Alcázar de San Juan.
Its pavement, which we can clearly observe today, is composed of river pebbles and sandstone fragments. It also includes two parallel lines made with the same materials that acted as guides for the carts of the time.
CHURCH OF SAN PEDRO
Only fragments of this temple’s ancient structure remain visible. Among them are some walls, and of special interest, the checkered floor composed of slate and sandstone that we can observe in this archaeological park of the Botánico. Several polar keystones were brought from this area, which are attributed to the prestigious Plateresque stonemason Juan de Álava, thus providing a silent but eloquent testimony to the rich architectural history of the place.
FRAY LUIS DE LEÓN:
LIGHT AND LEGACY IN SALAMANCA_
Fray Luis de León was an Augustinian poet, theologian, and mystic born in 1527. His life and work are deeply linked to the University of Salamanca, where he served as a professor and left a lasting legacy. His writings, ranging from mystical poetry to theological treatises and biblical commentaries, reflect solid erudition and a profound knowledge of the scriptures. He was imprisoned by the Inquisition for nearly five years due to his reformist ideas and his translation of the “Song of Songs” from Hebrew.
Part of his life was spent in the Convent of San Agustín, whose archaeological remains are found in the Botánico park. After his release in 1576, Fray Luis returned to Salamanca where he resumed his teaching with the iconic words ‘As we were saying yesterday…’, thus marking his triumphant return and his commitment to education. In 1856, his remains were discovered at this site and transferred to the chapel of the Escuelas Mayores of the University of Salamanca, an event that resonated deeply in the Salamanca community and underlined the enduring importance of his legacy.
VIRTUAL TOUR_
We invite you to explore and immerse yourself in the most intriguing corners of this historic site. The tour through the park will take you on a journey through time. Get ready for a unique archaeological adventure.
VIRTUAL TOUR_
We invite you to explore and immerse yourself in the most intriguing corners of this historic site. The tour through the park will take you on a journey through time. Get ready for a unique archaeological adventure.
VISITAS GUIADAS_
HOURS:
Friday and Saturday | 8:00 PM
TELESCOPE OBSERVATION:
Fridays | 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM.
VISITING PERIOD:
July 5th to September 1st
Note: Schedules and conditions are subject to change. It is recommended to check the updated information on salamancaymas.es before attending.
ENTRADAS_
PRICE:
Free admission (subject to capacity)
RESERVATIONS:
No reservation necessary
MORE INFORMATION:
salamancaymas.es
ACCESSIBILITY_
Requests for sign language interpretation or hearing induction loop must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the visit.
In short, visiting Salamanca becomes an unparalleled emotional and educational experience, where the past comes to life and the present is enriched with each new archaeological discovery. Are you ready to be part of this millennial adventure?
PLAN DE SOSTENIBILIDAD TURÍSTICA DE SALAMANCA