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Salamanca is considered to be one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe. Through the centuries the sandstone buildings have gained an exquisite golden glow that has given Salamanca the nickname La Ciudad Dorada, the golden city. A central square in the city, the Plaza Mayor, surrounded by shaded arcades, is known as the living room of the Salmantinos (Salamancans). It was constructed by Andres Garcia de Quifiones at the beginning of the 18th century; it would hold 20,000 people, once to witness bullfights, today to attend a concert, and is one of the finest squares in Europe.

The old Romanesque cathedral was founded in the 12th century. The dome that covers its crossing springs from a double arcade that is daringly pierced with windows, a distant reflection of Hagia Sophia. The mass of four pinnacles at the outside corners counter the thrust of the dome's weight. The thrust of the vaulting is borne by four massive pinnacles. The vault of the apse was frescoed by the Early Renaissance painter Nicolas Florentino. The adjoining "new" cathedral (illustration, left) was built in stages from 1509 and combines Late Gothic architecture, particularly in the interior, with the Renaissance style called Plateresque. It was still being finished in 1734. In the treasury is the bronze crucifix that was carried into battle before El Cid.

In Salamanca, the inhabitants are said to speak the "purest" Spanish of Spain, a reputation it shares with Valladolid. For this reason Salamanca is popular with people all over the world who want to learn Spanish.