Imagine, dear visitor, 18th-century Salamanca, a time of robust walls and streets bustling with the sounds of daily life. In this context, the Snow Well, with approximately 223 cubic meters, begins to be carved into the city's very stone. This enormous 'refrigerator' had the cooling mission of preserving food and even medicines. Until recently, this well was barely a whisper among local legends. It took an exciting archaeological discovery in 2009 to unveil its secrets. The archaeologist Elvira Sánchez, in a captivating excavation, removed layer after layer of history, revealing the well's intact structure.

The primary purpose of the Snow Well was surprisingly pragmatic and vital for old Salamanca. During the summers, when the heat became almost unbearable, the well offered a refreshing relief. With its 7.10 meters in height and 6 meters in diameter, this space housed pressed layers of straw and snow, carefully brought from the heights of the Sierra de Béjar in sacks or clay pitchers on the backs of donkeys during the night to take advantage of the cooler hours. It was an arduous and costly task that contains an entire untold story. Today, who doesn't have one or even two refrigerators at home? But three centuries ago, having snow during the hot months was a genuine privilege of the wealthy and even a cause of disputes. So much so that the importance of a nation often related to whether its king could have snow in the middle of August. For this reason, wells like this one held notable significance.

During the excavation of the Snow Well, archaeologists Elvira Sánchez and Carlos Macarro discovered some underground galleries almost by chance. This finding revealed an ancient system of tunnels carved into the stone to transport water. The exploration of these water-filled cavities sparked rumors about the possible curative and life-prolonging properties of the water found there, although these claims remained in the realm of speculation. Beyond the legends about the water, what truly fascinates are the stalactites that adorn the ceilings of the galleries. These limestone formations, created by moisture over millennia, seemed to come to life in the dim light.