Ancient city that’s the ‘Oxford of Spain’ with Gothic buildings and top university
A CITY in Europe has been dubbed the “Oxford of Spain” with his beautiful architecture and famous university.
Salamanca in the province of Casilla y Leon, dates back to the first Iron Age about 2700 years ago.
Not only do Oxford and Salamanca have a similar look, but both cities are extremely old with the buildings dating back to the 12th century.
They are also considered cultural hubs, attracting lots of students in particular because of their world-renowned universities.
Just like Oxford, Salamanca is a university city, home of The University of Salamanca (USAL) which is one of the top universities in Spain.
The university is also the third oldest in Europe, as it was founded in 1218.
The University of Oxford is very similar, having been traced back to 1248, with teaching taking place there as early as 1096.
Both universities are a similar size too with capacity for around 30,000 students.
The Plaza Mayor in Salamanca is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Spain and was built in the Baroque style.
The Plaza Mayor, that is lined with restaurants, ice cream parlours, and jewellery shops, is also one of the most lively and popular places in Salamanca.
It’s a public square with lots of people enjoying not only the shops but also spending time outside picnicking.
While Oxford doesn’t have a market square, the plaza is very similar to the city centre.
Oxford has lots of green spaces to relax and of course, shops from classic high street names to independent boutiques.
Both cities have water too, in Oxford you’ll find the rivers of Cherwell and the Thames. And in Salamanca, there’s The Tormes River that in the summer gives a beautiful reflection of the Old and New Cathedral.
They also have their own nicknames, Salamanca is known as the Golden City because of its sandstone buildings.
Meanwhile, Oxford earned itself the nickname of the City of Dreaming Spires because of its Gothic towers and steeples.
Both cities have also earned their stripes in the entertainment industry.
Most film buffs will recognise Oxford in the backdrop of films like Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
Well, Salamanca has also been used for filming Vantage Point, Goya’s Ghosts, and While at War.
Both cities also attract lots of tourists, and with it, parties. Oxford is a particularly popular spot for stag dos thanks to its lively nightlife.
Salamanca has had the same issue, but they are trying to put a stop to it.
In recent years, there was a ban put in place to stop British tourists from wearing explicit accessories while celebrating hen parties and stag dos in Salamanca.
As for how to get there, the easiest way for Brits to travel to Salamanca is to get a direct flight from the UK to Madrid.
Then take the train from Madrid to Salamanca, there are four a day, and the journey takes, on average, an hour and 40 minutes and costs from £21.
Oxford is also well-linked via trains with direct routes to London, Reading and Manchester.
Here’s another Spanish city with quick UK flights and a new direct route from the UK.
And another that has earned itself the nickname of the ‘Cuba of Europe’ with a James Bond beach.
This Spanish City Could Be a Top Destiantion in 2025
A short-journey away from the Spanish capital and you'll find this
Oviedo, in Astrurius, is a few hours from Madrid by train thanks to a new high speed service that launched last summer.
Named annual Destinations To Watch by ABTA this year, they praised the city as being a “largely undiscovered gem”.
It was also Spain‘s gastronomy capital in 2024, so foodies will be able to find amazing food while there.
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot wrote: “The capital of northern Spain’s Asturias region has squares full of restaurants and bars.
“Try the bean-and-sausage casserole fabada and carne gobernada – beef slow-cooked in white wine and onion. “Wash it all down with the local cider, or sidra, before sailing home via Bilbao.”