Plaza de Anaya (Anaya Square), Salamanca

The Anaya Palace stands on the site of the former Royal College of Saint Bartholomew, a residential college founded in 1401 by Archbishop Diego de Anaya Maldonado, which served as a model for similar institutions in both Spain and Spanish America. After the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake severely damaged the original building, construction of the new palace began in 1760, designed by architects Jos茅 de Hermosilla and Juan de Sagarvinaga, embracing the elegant Neoclassical style that was sweeping Europe at the time.

Approaching the palace, you're greeted by its dignified fa莽ade: a broad staircase ascends to a portico framed by four Ionic columns supporting a crisp triangular pediment, crowned with a bold heraldic shield. Inside, the architectural drama continues with a double-tiered courtyard鈥攐n the ground floor, 16 Doric columns, and on the upper floor, 16 Ionic columns.

One of the palace鈥檚 most eye-catching interior features is the grand imperial staircase, which once led to the heart of the old college. Alongside the staircase stands a thoughtful modern tribute: a bust of the writer Miguel de Unamuno, crafted by sculptor Victorio Macho in 1930.

Though it is commonly known as a palace, the Anaya building since its construction, has hosted various roles鈥攊ncluding that of Civil Government after the dissolution of university colleges鈥攁nd today is the home of the Faculty of Philology at the University of Salamanca, where students and scholars continue its centuries-long academic tradition.

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Sight Name: Plaza de Anaya (Anaya Square)
Sight Location: Salamanca, Spain (See walking tours in Salamanca)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Salamanca Introduction Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Salamanca, Spain

Create Your Own Walk in Salamanca

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Salamanca Introduction Walking Tour

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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

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