JARDÍN DE LA MERCED
20 minutes
The Jardín de la Merced, located on the Teso de las Catedrales and close to the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Salamanca, owes its name to the Mercedarian Convent that stood on this site until Mendizábal's Confiscation. Situated atop the historic medieval wall, the garden offers spectacular views of the Tormes River, the iconic Roman Bridge, and the vast lands to the south of the province. This space was inaugurated in 1974.
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The Jardín de la Merced is located in the southwestern corner of the Teso de las Catedrales. Archaeological excavations carried out in nearby plots have brought to light the entire sequence of the city's occupation from the Second Iron Age to the present day.
During the Middle Ages, this space was occupied by the Jewish quarter. There is knowledge of three synagogues and other representative buildings of the Jewish aljama. The Jewish quarter of Salamanca was not a ghetto isolated from the Christian city; from the initial moments of the medieval repopulation, synagogues and Christian parishes coexisted in this space with their respective neighborhoods. The situation would change throughout the centuries, especially in the 15th century when part of the Jewish quarter was occupied by university buildings. It was in this context that Saint Vincent Ferrer preached inside one of the synagogues. They say that before the astonished eyes of the Jews, white crosses appeared on their tunics, and many of them converted to Christianity. The name of Calle de la Veracruz reminds us of this historical episode.
The expulsion of the Jews led to a radical transformation of the neighborhood. During the 16th-18th centuries, large ecclesiastical and university constructions occupied their space: the King's College, the Trilingual College, Cuenca's Major College, the Convent of Saint Augustine, and the Convent of La Merced. During the 19th century, it suffered the ravages of the War of Independence and Mendizábal's Disentailment, which left all monuments reduced to ruins, leading it to be called the "Neighborhood of the Fallen."
Written sources place the construction of the Convent of La Veracruz, of the Mercedarian fathers, over the Minor Synagogue, later extending over the site of the New Synagogue. In the early 20th century, the convent was acquired by the City Council, which designated it for schools, an educational activity it would never lose. An inscription on the door, with the municipal coat of arms, reminds us that it was a Normal School for Teachers. In the 1980s, it became the Faculty of Mathematics.
Part of its original façade is preserved from the old Mercedarian construction, as well as some cellars located beneath the faculty, which many consider part of the synagogue that once existed there. In the building adjacent to the faculty, the coat of arms of the Order of La Merced can still be seen. In the 1970s, the Jardín de la Merced was created on what previously constituted the western wing of the convent.
During the Middle Ages, this space was occupied by the Jewish quarter. There is knowledge of three synagogues and other representative buildings of the Jewish aljama. The Jewish quarter of Salamanca was not a ghetto isolated from the Christian city; from the initial moments of the medieval repopulation, synagogues and Christian parishes coexisted in this space with their respective neighborhoods. The situation would change throughout the centuries, especially in the 15th century when part of the Jewish quarter was occupied by university buildings. It was in this context that Saint Vincent Ferrer preached inside one of the synagogues. They say that before the astonished eyes of the Jews, white crosses appeared on their tunics, and many of them converted to Christianity. The name of Calle de la Veracruz reminds us of this historical episode.
The expulsion of the Jews led to a radical transformation of the neighborhood. During the 16th-18th centuries, large ecclesiastical and university constructions occupied their space: the King's College, the Trilingual College, Cuenca's Major College, the Convent of Saint Augustine, and the Convent of La Merced. During the 19th century, it suffered the ravages of the War of Independence and Mendizábal's Disentailment, which left all monuments reduced to ruins, leading it to be called the "Neighborhood of the Fallen."
Written sources place the construction of the Convent of La Veracruz, of the Mercedarian fathers, over the Minor Synagogue, later extending over the site of the New Synagogue. In the early 20th century, the convent was acquired by the City Council, which designated it for schools, an educational activity it would never lose. An inscription on the door, with the municipal coat of arms, reminds us that it was a Normal School for Teachers. In the 1980s, it became the Faculty of Mathematics.
Part of its original façade is preserved from the old Mercedarian construction, as well as some cellars located beneath the faculty, which many consider part of the synagogue that once existed there. In the building adjacent to the faculty, the coat of arms of the Order of La Merced can still be seen. In the 1970s, the Jardín de la Merced was created on what previously constituted the western wing of the convent.
THE JARDÍN DE LA MERCED
Located in an area of approximately 3,000 m², this enclosed garden is surrounded by various elements that give it a unique character. To the north, it is delimited by a gate where the entrance opens; to the east and west, it is flanked respectively by the Faculties of Mathematics and Sciences. At its southern end, the garden opens onto a viewpoint situated atop the medieval wall.
LAYOUT AND DESIGN
The garden has a rectangular plan, its perimeter lined with cobblestone paths, marked by tall cypress trees that form a natural arboreal wall safeguarding the privacy of the space. Inside, the paths trace the shape of a cross, whose epicenter houses a fountain. This geometric design evokes the serenity and contemplation of a convent cloister, immersing the visitor in a peaceful and intimate atmosphere.
THE VEGETATION
The predominant vegetation in the garden consists of evergreen species, ensuring a constant green hue throughout the year. A Japanese cherry tree adds a touch of color each spring, announcing the change of season. In the center of the garden, three large Atlas cedars draw attention. Additionally, elder trees delimit the space near the Faculty of Mathematics, adding botanical interest to the spot.
THE VIEWPOINT
On the south side of the garden, separated by a low stone wall, is the viewpoint. From this point, more than 30 meters above river level, one can enjoy a spectacular view. It is the ideal place to observe the Roman Bridge in its entire length, the Arrabal del Puente, the National Parador situated on the Teso de la Feria, the neighborhoods on the left bank of the Tormes, and, in the distance, the Sierra de Béjar.
THE OUTER GARDEN AND THE GEOLOGICAL GARDEN
Outside the main garden, on the other side of the fence, lies a more modern and completely open urban garden. Although it maintains a geometric layout, this space is organized around two small fountains that also form a cross via surrounding paths. The green spaces are surrounded by yew trees, which are currently at the shrub stage.
Within this outer garden, large rock blocks are distributed, creating a sort of rock garden. This is the Geological Garden of the Faculty of Sciences. A geology lesson on the street, as each block bears a sign explaining the type of rock before us.
Located in an area of approximately 3,000 m², this enclosed garden is surrounded by various elements that give it a unique character. To the north, it is delimited by a gate where the entrance opens; to the east and west, it is flanked respectively by the Faculties of Mathematics and Sciences. At its southern end, the garden opens onto a viewpoint situated atop the medieval wall.
LAYOUT AND DESIGN
The garden has a rectangular plan, its perimeter lined with cobblestone paths, marked by tall cypress trees that form a natural arboreal wall safeguarding the privacy of the space. Inside, the paths trace the shape of a cross, whose epicenter houses a fountain. This geometric design evokes the serenity and contemplation of a convent cloister, immersing the visitor in a peaceful and intimate atmosphere.
THE VEGETATION
The predominant vegetation in the garden consists of evergreen species, ensuring a constant green hue throughout the year. A Japanese cherry tree adds a touch of color each spring, announcing the change of season. In the center of the garden, three large Atlas cedars draw attention. Additionally, elder trees delimit the space near the Faculty of Mathematics, adding botanical interest to the spot.
THE VIEWPOINT
On the south side of the garden, separated by a low stone wall, is the viewpoint. From this point, more than 30 meters above river level, one can enjoy a spectacular view. It is the ideal place to observe the Roman Bridge in its entire length, the Arrabal del Puente, the National Parador situated on the Teso de la Feria, the neighborhoods on the left bank of the Tormes, and, in the distance, the Sierra de Béjar.
THE OUTER GARDEN AND THE GEOLOGICAL GARDEN
Outside the main garden, on the other side of the fence, lies a more modern and completely open urban garden. Although it maintains a geometric layout, this space is organized around two small fountains that also form a cross via surrounding paths. The green spaces are surrounded by yew trees, which are currently at the shrub stage.
Within this outer garden, large rock blocks are distributed, creating a sort of rock garden. This is the Geological Garden of the Faculty of Sciences. A geology lesson on the street, as each block bears a sign explaining the type of rock before us.