Palacio de Anaya, Salamanca

Palace in Salamanca

San Bartolome College University of Salamanca
San Bartolome College University of Salamanca
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Hugh Llewelyn

Sitting on Plaza de Anaya, directly opposite Salamanca's New Cathedral, Anaya Palace is one of those places that feels like it has always been part of the city's theatre-students drifting past, cathedral bells in the background, and an instantly recognisable façade with tall columns and wide steps. Even if you only have a short time in town, it's easy to see why this spot is one of the top sights in Salamanca: it's central, beautiful, and it drops you right into the city's monumental core.

What makes Anaya Palace especially rewarding is that it's not a “set-piece” museum experience-it's a living university building, so the visit is more like stepping briefly into Salamanca's academic rhythm. If you're doing a walking tour of Salamanca, it's a natural pause point: you get a graceful courtyard, a cool, quiet moment away from the sun, and a perfect angle on the surrounding stonework before you continue to the next landmark.

History and Significance of the Anaya Palace

Anaya Palace is closely tied to Salamanca's long tradition of learning. It's also known as the Colegio Mayor de San Bartolomé, and today it functions as the Faculty of Philology of the University of Salamanca-one reason the atmosphere here feels more like a campus courtyard than a formal monument.

The building you see now dates to the 18th century, when construction began in 1760 under plans by José Hermosilla. Its style is distinctly neoclassical, which makes it stand out in a city better known for plateresque decoration and Gothic drama; here, the statement is made through proportion, symmetry, and calm authority rather than ornate detail.

Because it remains an active academic space, the “visit” is intentionally light-touch-typically focused on the courtyard-so it feels like a glimpse into Salamanca's civic identity as a university city. Treat it as a quiet cultural interlude: a building that's still doing what Salamanca has done for centuries-hosting study, debate, and the everyday life of the old town.

Things to See and Do in the Anaya Palace

Start outside, where the main façade is the headline act: four imposing Ionic columns, a triangular pediment, and a staircase that makes the whole building feel like it's addressing the plaza. The setting is part of the charm too-cathedrals in front, university life behind you, and that golden Salamanca stone changing tone as the light shifts.

Once inside, the courtyard is the reward. Look for the double gallery of columns that wraps the patio-Doric on the lower level, with a more decorative upper order-creating a sense of measured elegance and a satisfying play of shadow and arcades. It’s an easy place to linger for a few minutes, especially if you’re pacing your day between larger ticketed sights.

If access allows, keep an eye out for the palace’s grand internal circulation: the imperial staircase and the bust of Miguel de Unamuno are often mentioned as highlights of the interior character. Even when you only see the courtyard, you still get the essential experience-Salamanca’s academic grandeur, distilled into one quiet, beautifully framed space.

How to Get to the Anaya Palace

If you're flying in, Madrid-Barajas Airport is the most practical hub for Salamanca, with onward connections by train or long-distance bus; Salamanca's own airport (Matacán) has limited service. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Salamanca on Booking.com. From Madrid, trains run to Salamanca, and from Salamanca train station you can reach Plaza de Anaya by taxi, bus, or a walk through the historic centre.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Intercity buses also arrive at Salamanca’s bus station with frequent services from Madrid and other regional cities, usually making door-to-door logistics simple. If you’re driving, aim for parking on the edge of the old town and walk in, since the historic centre is better enjoyed on foot.If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Anaya Palace

  • Entrance fee: Free (courtyard access).
  • Opening hours: Monday–Friday 09:00–19:00 (During University term time.)
  • Official website: https://www.turismocastillayleon.com/en/heritage-culture/palaces/palace-anaya
  • Best time to visit: Late morning for softer light in the courtyard, or early afternoon for a shaded pause between bigger monuments.
  • How long to spend: 10-20 minutes is enough for the façade, courtyard, and photos; add time if you’re pairing it with the cathedrals next door.
  • Accessibility: Step-free access may be limited depending on which areas are open, but the approach from Plaza de Anaya is straightforward and close to major sights.
  • Facilities: There’s no dedicated visitor centre inside, but you’re surrounded by cafés, restrooms in nearby venues, and plenty of places to sit around the plaza.

Where to Stay Close to the Anaya Palace

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in Salamanca's Centro Histórico around Plaza Mayor and the cathedrals; if transport convenience is the priority, look closer to the Salamanca train and bus stations.

If you want to wake up right in the monumental heart of the city, staying near the cathedral quarter keeps everything walkable at a relaxed pace, especially early and late in the day when the streets feel at their most atmospheric. Sercotel Puerta de la Catedral is hard to beat for location and those cathedral-adjacent mornings. For a polished, classic base that still feels local and historic, NH Collection Salamanca Palacio de Castellanos puts you close to both the old town sights and the river-side viewpoints.

If you’re after a more special stay-something that feels like part of the city’s heritage rather than just a bed for the night-Grand Hotel Don Gregorio offers a boutique, old-city experience that pairs nicely with slow evenings and early cathedral walks.

Is the Anaya Palace Worth Visiting?

Yes-especially because it asks so little of your schedule. Even a quick stop delivers a strong sense of Salamanca’s character: a city where monumental beauty isn’t separated from daily life, but woven into it through the university.

It’s also a great “connector” sight. You can treat it as a scenic hinge between the cathedrals, the university lanes, and the classic plazas-ideal when you want something meaningful that doesn’t require tickets, timed entry, or a long commitment.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Anaya Palace works well as a low-effort stop: kids can reset in the open courtyard space and you can keep the visit short if attention spans dip. Pair it with a nearby treat or a plaza break so it feels like part of a gentle rhythm rather than another “serious” monument.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Come near golden hour when the stone warms up and the plaza feels more cinematic, then wander slowly toward the cathedral viewpoints. It’s the kind of place that rewards lingering-quiet conversation, a few photos, and the feeling of being inside Salamanca’s everyday beauty.

Budget Travelers

This is one of the easiest wins in the old town: strong architecture and atmosphere without paying for a ticket. Use it as a scenic anchor, then choose just one or two paid experiences nearby (like a tower climb) to keep costs predictable.

History Buffs

Focus on the contrast: neoclassical order here versus the Gothic intensity across the square, and the way Salamanca’s university identity still shapes how spaces are used. It’s a subtle kind of history-less about exhibits, more about continuity and function in a living city.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (1,300)

Anaya Palace sits on the University of Salamanca campus on Pl. de Anaya and is a 17th-century building housing the Philology faculty; visitors praise its impressive façade and cloister, the lively student atmosphere, and the piazza setting opposite the cathedral, noting there's little to see inside beyond faculty offices but that the surrounding historic university buildings, occasional festive kiosks, and a tourist train around the old streets make it well worth a stop.

Natalie Studley
a year ago
"A great place to visit the beautiful architecture of Spain. It's just a short walk away from the cathedral, so you can stop at both places when inthe area...."
Sumaya Rabie
8 years ago
"It's lovely with the historic university buildings surrounding it. During festive days, they decorate the place and some kiosks are established tosell gifts, accessories and pastries. It has a train that gives you a tour in the ancient streets surrounding the university but you have to check the schedule. Definitely worth the visit...."
Manuel
a year ago
"Impressive facade of this palace, actually Philology faculty of the University, with a particular cloister, full of graffitis with the signature ofknown names for students...."

FAQs for Visiting the Anaya Palace

Getting There

It sits on Plaza de Anaya, directly beside Salamanca’s cathedrals in the historic centre. It’s an easy landmark to reach once you’re anywhere in the old town.
Walk toward the cathedral complex and aim for Plaza de Anaya, where the palace faces the square. The streets funnel naturally toward this area, so it’s hard to miss.
A taxi is the simplest option, and it’s a short ride into the old town. If you prefer walking, follow routes toward the cathedral area and you’ll arrive at Plaza de Anaya.
Parking is easier on the edges of the historic centre than right beside the monuments. Driving isn’t usually worth it for this specific sight unless you’re already arriving by car and plan to park once and walk.

Tickets & Entry

In most cases, you can visit the courtyard without a ticket. Since it’s a working university building, access beyond public areas may be limited.
For a casual courtyard visit, advance booking is not typically necessary. If you’re visiting with a large group, it’s smarter to check locally so you don’t disrupt academic activity.
The main one is to keep your voice low because classes and university work happen on-site. If an area is roped off or signed, assume it’s for university use and stick to public spaces.

Visiting Experience

Plan for 10-15 minutes to enjoy the façade and courtyard at an unhurried pace. It’s a perfect “in-between” stop rather than a destination that takes up a full block of your day.
Yes, because it’s right where many of the major sights cluster and it doesn’t slow you down. Think of it as a high-impact pause that adds texture to your route.
The courtyard can still be worthwhile because it’s close, quick, and often offers a sheltered feel compared with open plazas. On rainy days, it also pairs well with nearby indoor visits like cathedrals and university spaces.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it commonly appears on routes that link the university area with the cathedrals. Even self-guided walkers tend to pass it naturally because of its location.
Independent works well because the experience is visual and the stop is short. A guided tour adds value mainly by connecting it to the wider university story and the surrounding monuments.
Combine Plaza de Anaya with the cathedrals, then walk to the university façades and finish around Plaza Mayor. It’s compact, scenic, and full of variety without long transit time.

Photography

Yes-between the grand staircase, the symmetry of the façade, and the courtyard arcades, it’s very photogenic. It’s also a strong “context” shot location with the cathedrals nearby.
Late afternoon often gives the stone a warmer glow and softens shadows across the columns. Early in the day can be quieter if you want cleaner compositions.

Accessibility & Facilities

The plaza approach is straightforward, but access inside can depend on which entrances and areas are open. If mobility is a concern, treat the exterior as the main experience and decide on the courtyard only if it’s clearly easy to enter.
There isn’t a dedicated visitor facility like a museum desk. You’re surrounded by cafés and services in the old town, so planning a nearby stop works best.

Nearby Attractions to the Anaya Palace

  • Salamanca New Cathedral: A vast Gothic-to-Baroque interior and one of the city's most dramatic architectural experiences, steps from Plaza de Anaya.
  • Salamanca Old Cathedral: A quieter Romanesque-Gothic counterpoint next door, ideal for appreciating the city's layered history.
  • University of Salamanca (Escuelas Mayores): The famous plateresque façade and academic courtyards where Salamanca's university identity is on full display.
  • Casa de las Conchas: A landmark civic Gothic building covered in shell motifs, with a courtyard that's quick and satisfying to visit.
  • Plaza Mayor: Salamanca's grand central square, best enjoyed twice-once in daylight for details and again at night for atmosphere.

The Palacio de Anaya appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Salamanca!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Monday-Friday 09:00-19:00 (During University term time.)

Price:

Free (courtyard access).

Address: Anaya Palace C. Salamanca Zamora, 3 37008 Salamanca Spain
Salamanca: 1 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

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