A Sunday Morning in Zamora
A beautiful Sunday morning in the city of Zamora. The clock rings, and as I glance at my phone, I see it’s a crisp 4°C outside. Another day, another journey begins. The warmth of a hot shower is a welcome contrast to the cool air, and yet, as I prepare myself for the day ahead, I’m surprised by how quickly time has passed. There’s nothing more precious than waking up with the cold breeze gently brushing against your face, reminding you of the raw reality of life, the beauty of nature, and the deep appreciation of simply being alive. With a sense of quiet excitement, I feel ready, inspired by the book I’ve been reading, ready to take on the day.
The Spanish Breakfast and the Road to Salamanca
Breakfast today was a familiar Spanish affair but with a little twist—gluten-free cereal to fill me up and prepare for the road ahead. This added touch was enough to fuel my energy as we set off towards Salamanca, a city that has long sparked my curiosity. As I sit back in the car, I can’t help but feel excited to visit the city that boasts the oldest university in Spain and the new and old cathedrals, with their ancient walls holding the stories of centuries past. It’s fascinating to think that it took over 200 years to build both cathedrals, with the old cathedral standing for more than 674 years.
As we near the city, I find myself drawn to its charm. Voted “la ciudad cultural”, it stands in quiet splendour, a city full of history, yet with a calm morning vibe. The city seems to sleep still, the air gentle and peaceful, the only sounds are the rustling breeze or the occasional footstep. It is true, most things in Spain don’t open until 11 a.m., and I smile at the thought considering the chilly morning, it’s understandable that the locals enjoy a slower pace.
Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral
We arrive at Plaza Mayor, where I am swept away by the majestic architecture of the buildings. I marvel at the craftsmanship of the ancient stones, each piece carefully placed to create this masterpiece of human endeavour. As I look up at the tall, towering buildings, I’m reminded that with time comes greatness ,how, with effort, generations before us have created something enduring. I twist my neck to take in the full sight of the high structures, and the vastness of history starts to sink in.
Next, we make our way to the Cathedral Nueva (New Cathedral), which has stood for 591 years. Its structure is nothing short of breathtaking. The massive stone walls are intricately detailed, and the golden accents that catch the light are simply mesmerising. The cathedral’s shape is grand, with soaring arches and towering spires that seem to reach toward the heavens. What caught my attention were the smaller sculptures and carvings so finely detailed, they almost seem to come to life, as though the stories they tell were meant to unfold right before my eyes.
The University of Salamanca
Our next stop takes us to the University of Salamanca, a place rich with intellectual history. It’s amazing to think that at one point, this renowned institution stopped holding classes for 70 years. As we tour the ancient halls, I can’t help but be awestruck by the walls lined with signatures of those who have completed their PhDs, each one a mark of accomplishment and dedication. One of the most exciting parts of the visit was finding the frog on the skull, an iconic symbol of the university. Legend has it that finding the frog brings good luck for passing exams an amusing tradition that adds a touch of charm to this centuries old institution.
The “Sky” of Salamanca
Next, I step into a quiet, darkened room to experience the magic of El Cielo de Salamanca. As I look up, I am met with a mesmerising view. The blue sky above is richly adorned with golden details, constellations, and zodiac signs that shimmer in the darkness. Among these celestial wonders, I spot a man on a horse, with the sun rising brightly beside him. To my left, a lady representing Virgo gracefully occupies her place, while Libra’s scales balance delicately in the distance. These images are not just painted; they are a part of the sky itself, woven into a tapestry that speaks of fate, destiny, and the ancient wisdom of the stars.
The stillness of the room allows me to feel deeply immersed in the moment, as though I am beneath the very heavens themselves. I reach for my camera, but then I remember no pictures can be taken here. This is not a moment to be captured; it is one to be felt. The beauty, the sacredness, the timelessness of the scene overwhelms me, leaving me in awe of the artistic mastery above me.
The Guitar and Mass at the New Cathedral
As I walk through the city, I hear the soft strumming of a guitar, a man playing by the new cathedral. The sound is magical, the music pure, and it fills the air with a kind of divine artistry. I pause, letting the melodies wash over me, before heading inside to attend Mass. The church is awe-inspiring—the sculptures, stained-glass and imprinted glass windows with saints and sanctuaries are all breathtaking. My gaze is drawn upward as the choir begins to sing, signalling the start of Mass.
There is a warmth in my heart as I witness the Mass, a sense of peace as I listen to the bishop and join in prayer. The beauty of the service is made even more special by hearing the gospel in the language I love most,Spanish. I find myself praying, switching between English, Spanish, and Portuguese, my mind and heart simultaneously syncing with the familiar prayers. It’s a beautiful experience, one that fills me with spiritual peace.
The Hotel and Lunch
Post-Mass, we head to our hotel, though we find ourselves lost in the city, unable to find the right one. After much confusion and some funny moments we finally settle into the correct hotel. From there, we head to the home of our lecturer’s friends for a delightful lunch. The tortitas (small, rich cakes) and ensalada (salad) fill us up perfectly, but it’s the meat inside a pumpkin that steals the show. It is the most delicious dish I’ve had in Spain, rich and comforting in every bite. We are even given some merch from La Rojas, a lovely reminder of the day.
Climbing to the Top and Views of Salamanca
Later, we visit the Pontificia University of Salamanca, where we climb 200 flights of stairs to reach the top. The climb is tough, my legs feel the burn but the view of the city is worth every step. We are so close to the great bells that I can almost hear them ring in my bones. From the top, the city spreads out before me, beautiful and full of life. We walk on, finding ourselves in the Jardín Botánico once again, with a peaceful view of the city lights twinkling in the distance. The beauty of the moment fills me with peace, and I feel at one with the world.
Nightlife in Salamanca
As the night draws on, we head to a music factory, where local musicians raise funds for Valencia. The talent is incredible, and I am in awe of the music that fills the room. We then visit a second spot, a place filled with beautiful art, people lounging, listening to music, and doing karaoke. It’s a relaxed Sunday night, a far cry from the bustling energy of Saturday night, but I can’t help but wonder what the weekend energy is like. I imagine the vibrant pulse of the city, alive with music and movement.
Conclusion
As the day winds down, I reflect on the experiences, the sights, and the sounds of Salamanca. It has been a journey full of beauty, history, and unexpected moments that remind me how precious life truly is.
By Beatriz, #Yo Me Voy Pa’ España member
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