University of Salamanca

Founded in 1218, the University is the oldest in Spain. The status of the University is so great that Salamanca's history is inextricably woven into its story. In the 13th century Pope Alexander IV declared it one of the principal seats of learning in Christendom ranking alongside Paris, Oxford and Bologna. Christopher Columbus consulted the faculty before embarking on his famous voyage (though his opinions were rejected). The University then went on to reach its peak in the 16th century.

Today the University has Colleges of Law, Liberal Arts, Science and Medicine with a student population of 30,000.

Having been designated by the Spanish government to create an innovative educational program for foreigners to learn Spanish, the University of Salamanca is Spain's leading national institution in the teaching of Spanish as a second language. Salamanca is in the region of Spain where the purest Castilian Spanish is spoken.