Spain · UNESCO World Heritage Site series, 16th issue, Old Town of Salamanca

Salamanca lies on the Río Tormes in western Spain. Its Old Town was added to the World Heritage List in 1988. It brings together buildings from several periods, including the two cathedrals, the Plaza Mayor, university buildings, churches and aristocratic palaces. Characteristic is the light sandstone from the surrounding area, used frequently and shaping the appearance of the historic centre.

The city is closely associated with its university, founded in 1218 by King Alfons IX of León. It is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Europe and developed particularly in the 15th and 16th centuries into a centre of theology, jurisprudence and linguistics. Scholars of the School of Salamanca addressed, among other subjects, natural law, just war, economic issues and the legal status of the indigenous population in the Spanish colonies.

The ensemble depicted on the coin belongs to the Dominican Order. The present building was constructed mainly in the 16th and early 17th centuries on the site of an older establishment. The richly articulated church façade is regarded as an example of the Plateresque style, a Spanish form of Renaissance architecture with finely detailed decoration reminiscent of goldsmiths’ work. Inside is a Baroque high altar by José de Churriguera.

The monastery was also a place of theological research and teaching. It was associated with Dominicans such as Francisco de Vitoria and Domingo de Soto, who taught at the university and are considered part of the School of Salamanca. The building therefore represents not only the architecture of the Old Town but also its intellectual history.

The issue belongs to a Spanish coin series that has featured World Heritage sites in Spain since 2010. The selection of a single building makes it possible to represent the extensive historic urban area through a specific monument characteristic of its architectural and educational history.