casa de las conchas

828fabrices

With free entry, is now a library. the facade is beautiful and unique. The interior courtyard has details as in the example of the upper sculptures that look like gargoyles. The coffee machine inside is good for those looking for an espresso, cheap and fast!

FrequentTripster

Interesting exterior but not much to see inside as it is the local library; not sure why this is a must see in Salamanca

sheilal921

This lovely former residence is unusually decorated with shells. If you arrive at the right time when the sun shines on the outside, you will notice a diagonal formation of shells. Step inside to see the lovely central area. Then walk towards the right of the staircase and look up to see the original ceiling. You can do all this in a short amount of time but don't miss this stop when in Salamanca.

alonaandsasha

very special place, like a symbol of Salamanca, worth all the pictures taken thereand the patio of the casa is also very beautiful

albanyukLondon

We loved the elegant courtyard, it has beautiful proportions. The facade is unique with applied shells, symbols of Santiago de Compostella.

BarbaraO575

Very odd to see this old palace decorated all over with stone conchas (shells). Worth a visit, although very little of the inside can be visited.

davewarwick

Underwhelming and easy to miss. Walked straight past the first time! Just a landmark between the cathedral and the plaza mayor.

kashpir_pl

Got its name thanks to hundreds of shells carved on the exterior walls. And these really look appealing at any time of the day - especially with the tower of the nearby church in the foreground. It's free to get inside the building - courtyard is nice but nothing spectacular. So enjoy the view from outside.

SteveJ420

This is one of the few places which is free to visit. That said its the exterior which holds the true attraction which it's gated windows and stuccoed walls of shells

4myxtc

Its free to visit, and this is the house of a Knight who belong to an order that had the shell for their insignia. Its as fresh now as it was when built and well worth a bit of time.

Mila50Lisbon

This strange building stands out for its façade decorated with seashells (the symbol of the Santiago order), which offers an unusual sight. Built in the beginning of the 16th century by one of the most respected Knights of the mentioned Order, it features a graceful cloister and it is now the main city libraries. For its uniqueness, it has become one of the "ex-libris" of Salamanca and it should not be missed.

gilberttraveler56

But when you entered it was beautiful, including a view of the church across the walkway. Beautiful.

796janec

I had wanted to see the Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells) near the University, for many years and was not disappointed. It is pure Spanish architecture that influenced by Spanish culture - not labelled as classic, roman, Byzantene or Rococco. But also all the buildings, whether a laundry or Cathedral in this area are just so Spain. They gave me a warmth hard to express. I just loved walking endlessly around the town. The newly opened Spanish Civil War museum is not to be missed. Shocking documents and artefacts of a silent war not talked about until recently. From a statement on Guernica from Picasso, to medals for killing freemasons. Plenty of shops from trendy to souvenir. The main plaza comes alive in the evening and until the early hours. Hop from tapas bar to tapas bar needing very few euros.Tip - take that siesta - its the only sleep you'll get during term time and will help you stay out late.

ELear

It's more famous than it deserves to be,, that's the problem, so your expectations are too high. In fact it just looks odd. Never mind, you don't want to go away without seeing it, and it isn't hard to find. Completely free to look at from outside, where all the shells are.

betsy13

We stumbled upon this old stone building dotted with the shell motif. Great carving. We did not go inside but appreciated wandering down a stone alley and coming upon it.