Hospital del Estudio (Hospital of Study), Salamanca
Hospital of Study, founded in 1413 under the name Hospital of Saint Thomas Aquinas, served a unique dual purpose: it provided both lodging and medical care for economically disadvantaged university students. This charitable institution held deep backing from both monarchy and university, underscoring the bond between learning, religion, and civic responsibility.
The building's Plateresque portal is rich in symbolism: framed within a double-height alfiz, the doorway features sculptural motifs of Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Virgin, and Archangel Gabriel, culminating above in heraldic shields鈥擟astile and Le贸n at the center, flanked by the royal arms of Castile and Aragon with the eagle of Saint John.
Originally aimed at serving students through care and hospitality until 1810, the building鈥檚 function evolved over centuries. By the mid-19th century, its chapel housed the University鈥檚 historical archives, and in the late 20th century, it became the seat of the University鈥檚 government, now home to the Rectorate. Inside, visitors find the Hall of Portraits鈥攐nce the infirmary鈥攏ow used for ceremonial and public university events.
The building's Plateresque portal is rich in symbolism: framed within a double-height alfiz, the doorway features sculptural motifs of Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Virgin, and Archangel Gabriel, culminating above in heraldic shields鈥擟astile and Le贸n at the center, flanked by the royal arms of Castile and Aragon with the eagle of Saint John.
Originally aimed at serving students through care and hospitality until 1810, the building鈥檚 function evolved over centuries. By the mid-19th century, its chapel housed the University鈥檚 historical archives, and in the late 20th century, it became the seat of the University鈥檚 government, now home to the Rectorate. Inside, visitors find the Hall of Portraits鈥攐nce the infirmary鈥攏ow used for ceremonial and public university events.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Salamanca. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App
Hospital del Estudio (Hospital of Study) on Map
Sight Name: Hospital del Estudio (Hospital of Study)
Sight Location: Salamanca, Spain (See walking tours in Salamanca)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Salamanca, Spain (See walking tours in Salamanca)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Salamanca, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Salamanca
Creating your own self-guided walk in Salamanca is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Salamanca Introduction Walking Tour
Polybius, the ancient Greek historian, called it "Helmantike." Another ancient Greek historian, Plutarch, opted for "Salmatike." The word "Salamanca" itself refers to a "cave," "grotto," or "dark place." Legend says Satan taught Black Magic in the Caves of Salamanca.
Salamanca's splendor began with the royal charter of Alfonso IX... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Salamanca's splendor began with the royal charter of Alfonso IX... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Salamanca's Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Salamanca 鈥� one of Spain鈥檚 most delightful and intriguing destinations 鈥� is a treasure trove of architectural marvels. The abundance of well-preserved, centuries-old wonders of construction tucked away in the labyrinth of narrow lanes in this prestigious university city is truly awe-inspiring. A true feast for the eyes, they are so impressive that the entire historic center of Salamanca was... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles