In Salamanca Episode 2

We also enjoyed the Casa de las Concha (House of Shells), a Gothic/Plateresque style building, constructed from 1493 to 1517, whose exterior is covered with 300 stone scallop shells, symbol of the Order of Santiago, as well as of the pilgrims walking the Camino. The original owner was a member of the Order of Santiago.

It now houses the public library so there was no entry fee. I love going to public libraries elsewhere as I think they are one of the best public services for any community. This is a lovely building with a big inner courtyard with an old well in the centre. When we climbed up into the two towers of Scala Coeli, we looked right down into this courtyard and you can see the towers from the courtyard in this next three photos below. The ceiling is the various rooms are old beamed wood and the wood floors creaked very satisfactorily as we wandered about.

There was an old card catalogue (a more recent antique) and Jim spied of all things, the complete book of Frank Zappa lyrics (he is a longtime fan). The old suitcase was a nice way to display books about Salamanca.

The lower area of the building was used for art exhibits, just as our small but cherished Galiano library has space for art.

We of course had to visit and walk the Roman bridge. It always gives he a kind of strange feeling thinking of the centuries of people who have walked and ridden over these old bridges and how amazing it is that they are still standing. This bridge was rebuilt a number of times since its original construction, with the section at the right bank, to the city of Salamanca, retaining most of the original Roman construction.

As we spent more time in Salamanca, we realized that apartment location was great. As well as being in the old town but across from a walled park so very quiet at night, we were a short walk to the bus station from which we would be leaving Salamanca and also close to food and other useful shops. Jim and I both needed haircuts so the second day there we dropped into a nice looking salon just around the corner in the morning, and they immediately did us both at the same time for a total of €25, including for me shampooing and blow drying. I really love Spain!