The Plaza Mayor in Salamanca has no place for a dictator – especially for Francisco Franco who brutally ruled Spain from 1939 – 1975. Nowadays, Spain is continually trying to erase everything that’s related to this Nazi sympathizer. Salamanca has finally done what should have been done long time ago.

Read on…

The Plaza Mayor in Salamanca Has No Place For A Dictator

Salamanca is known as La Dorada – which means the Golden City – due to the golden glimmer of its sandstone buildings. 

The Plaza Mayor in Salamanca Has No Place For A Dictator (Spain).

And that golden glow can be seen at heart of the city – the Plaza Mayor. 

The Plaza Mayor in Salamanca Has No Place For A Dictator (Spain).

For some people, the Plaza Mayor in Salamanca is considered as Spain’s most beautiful plaza or square. If you think it’s beautiful during the day – wait until you see it shine at night. 

The Plaza Mayor in Salamanca Has No Place For A Dictator (Spain).

At first glance, you might think that this plaza is a square in form – but, it’s not. 

The Plaza Mayor in Salamanca Has No Place For A Dictator (Spain).

There are 88 arches on the ground floor but they’re not divided into 4 equal sides. There are 20 arches on the south side and the north has 21 arches. The eastern side has 22 arches, while the west has 25 arches. 

The Plaza Mayor in Salamanca Has No Place For A Dictator (Spain).

In between these arches, you’ll find bust medallions of well-known Spanish writers, philosophers, royals, saints, etc. 

The Plaza Mayor in Salamanca Has No Place For A Dictator (Spain).

And one of the busts that WAS placed here was that of Francisco Franco. The local government has finally abolished it in June 2017 – after many years. I guess, I was “lucky” to have seen it in the summer of 2016.

Francisco Franco’s medallion bust at Plaza Mayor in Salamanca (Spain)

Today, Plaza Mayor isn’t just a place where the City Hall is but also a rendezvous for the locals and tourists. Cafes and restaurants abound the area. 

The City Hall of Salamanca at Plaza Mayor (Spain).

The above floors (with lovely verandas) of this well-designed Baroque property is now converted into apartments. 

The Plaza Mayor in Salamanca Has No Place For A Dictator (Spain).

WHERE TO STAY IN SALAMANCA

You can actually go on a day trip to Salamanca from Madrid. But, if you want to stay here for a night because you need to see every Baroque architecture you can find in this ancient city, book yourself a nice place to sleep.

If you want to be in a tour in Spain, choose the kind of adventure you want here.

And while you’re in Salamanca, don’t forget to visit the Cathedral and Clerecia Towers to get the bird’s eye view of this ancient place.