Patio de Escuelas
20 minutes
A small square that opens up in front of the Plateresque facade of the Major Schools Building of the University in Salamanca, housing several of this institution's original areas.
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Free visit price
- Individual - 0.00 €
In front of the University's facade lies the Patio de Escuelas Mayores. It can be said that this courtyard was the first urban development project in the city, designed as a space for contemplating the University's facade.
The courtyard is composed of the Gothic building of the Escuelas Mayores (Major Schools) (1415), the Students' Hospital (1412), now the Rectorate, the Minor Schools building (1533), and the University's facade (1512-1516).
Founded as a 'studium' around the year 1218 by decision of King Alfonso IX of León, it was officially confirmed as a University in the Magna Carta granted by Alfonso X in 1254. In its origins, it followed the Bolognese model, which prioritized the study of civil and canon law over the theology and philosophy prevalent at the University of Paris. During its golden age, the 15th and 16th centuries, it stood at the forefront of European universities. Today, it is the oldest university in Spain. Highlights inside include the Fray Luis de León classroom, the reliefs on the cloister staircase, or the Library, founded in 1254 by Alfonso X the Wise, which treasures numerous priceless manuscripts and incunabula. Among them, the Tohá stands out, as do the "round books" which Torres Villaroel bought in Paris and which were actually terrestrial globes, and which he named thus so that the librarian would accept and pay for them.
From this square, and through the Patio de Escuelas Menores, one can access the "Cielo de Salamanca" (Sky of Salamanca), which represents a rich astrological program likely related to the teaching of astronomy and astrology at the University.
According to student tradition, if one wants to pass exams easily, one must first spot the frog on the University facade.
The courtyard is composed of the Gothic building of the Escuelas Mayores (Major Schools) (1415), the Students' Hospital (1412), now the Rectorate, the Minor Schools building (1533), and the University's facade (1512-1516).
Founded as a 'studium' around the year 1218 by decision of King Alfonso IX of León, it was officially confirmed as a University in the Magna Carta granted by Alfonso X in 1254. In its origins, it followed the Bolognese model, which prioritized the study of civil and canon law over the theology and philosophy prevalent at the University of Paris. During its golden age, the 15th and 16th centuries, it stood at the forefront of European universities. Today, it is the oldest university in Spain. Highlights inside include the Fray Luis de León classroom, the reliefs on the cloister staircase, or the Library, founded in 1254 by Alfonso X the Wise, which treasures numerous priceless manuscripts and incunabula. Among them, the Tohá stands out, as do the "round books" which Torres Villaroel bought in Paris and which were actually terrestrial globes, and which he named thus so that the librarian would accept and pay for them.
From this square, and through the Patio de Escuelas Menores, one can access the "Cielo de Salamanca" (Sky of Salamanca), which represents a rich astrological program likely related to the teaching of astronomy and astrology at the University.
According to student tradition, if one wants to pass exams easily, one must first spot the frog on the University facade.