MIRADOR DE SANTO DOMINGO

The Santo Domingo Viewpoint is one of the ten selected spots to be part of the Salamanca Viewpoints Route. It is located in the Santo Domingo de la Cruz Gardens, on Arroyo de Santo Domingo street. These gardens occupy the hillside that descends from Mount Olivetti to the eponymous stream, offering a natural and harmonious environment. Inside the Santo Domingo Gardens is the building that today houses the exhibition hall. In the 16th century, this space was the College of Santo Domingo de la Cruz, which was part of the architectural complex of the Dominican Convent.

This spot not only stands out for its impressive views of the cathedral but also for the serenity offered by its surroundings. Visitors can walk along paths lit by lampposts, while the gentle murmur of water flowing through an artificial stream accompanies their stroll. Among the flowers and shrubs, some of the sculptures by Venancio Blanco, one of the most relevant creators of contemporary Spanish art, are interspersed. This permanent exhibition was selected by the artist himself and includes religious works, such as 'The Last Supper,' as well as sculptures related to bullfighting. Bulls, horses, and bullfighters connect with the sculptor's origins; he was born in Matilla de los Caños, a place surrounded by dehesas (Mediterranean oak forests) in the heart of Campo Charro. In one of those dehesas, his father worked as a foreman. Campo Charro and its people would be present throughout his artistic career.

Those who wish to delve deeper into the work of Venancio Blanco can enter the Santo Domingo de la Cruz Exhibition Hall, which is accessed from the gardens themselves. It is dedicated to temporary exhibitions by the artist. Access to this space is free.

In addition to Venancio Blanco's exhibitions, outdoor concerts are organized during the summer. The freshness of the garden, the murmur of the water, the music, and the impressive views with the illuminated Cathedral make it a rewarding experience.

As in the rest of the viewpoints on this route, there is a support for taking selfies. Through a simple QR code system, visitors can quickly capture their photos and share them on social media, becoming the city's best promoters.