MAIN MONUMENTS OF SALAMANCA

Casa de las Conchas

This is the most popular palace in Salamanca, not only for its beauty, but also for the shells that adorn its facade and have symbolized the city in many ways. It is one of the best displays of gothic Spanish civil architecture, built towards the end of the XV and beginning of the XVI centuries by order of Don Rodrigo Arias Maldonado, a relative of the Catholic King and Queen, and Knight of the Santiago Order.

One reason for the use of the shells may have to do with the Maldonado´s association with the Santiago Order. The other theory is more romantic, stating that the repetition of the shells on the façade is a symbol of Don Rodrigo´s love for his wife Doña María.

The basement of the house was later converted to a place where University students used to pay the penalties imposed by the Master-School.

Today, this space houses a public library and an exposition hall.

Location: C/ Compañía 2