Public Library of Salamanca - Casa de las Conchas

An absolutely brilliant building. The external facade is covered in scallop shells. It is not so much due to the pilgrimages ( though they do go through the town) but more that the family were followers of St James. The courtyard is beautiful with a gorgeous balcony with two types of stone grillwork and multi form arches. Just beautiful

Gorgeous. If i lived in Salamanca and had this space as my public library, I don't believe I'd ever leave it. It's beautiful. And, it is a public library and those, in every spot on the planet, are things of beauty which should be cherished and protected for eternity. Do not pass this place by when you are in the area.

An unmissable jewel of Salamanca, this historic palace stands a mere five minutes’ stroll from the Plaza Mayor, at the corner of Calle Rúa Antigua and Calle Compañía. Today it serves as a public library, yet visitors may freely enter its enchanting central courtyard. Its most iconic feature is the façade, adorned with over 300 scallop shells — the emblem of the Pimentel family, each one carved in stone. These shells are steeped in legend, symbolising both the Order of Santiago and a nod to the Camino de Santiago. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, La Casa de las Conchas is a masterpiece of Spanish civil Gothic with subtle Renaissance touches. The interior patio offers a serene haven, where the harmonious architecture and ancient well evoke a sense of timeless peace. A visit here is a journey into the very soul of Spain’s artistic and historic splendour.

This is the “must visit” place in Salamanca. Very beautiful wall with “conchas” and the library inside is also very nice and quite; open to all visitors including foreigners. Recommended to visit during day time and at night which can enjoy both of the different views.

Lovely building with nice architecture and history. Going inside to the courtyard is good to be able to see the views and the structure. Being a library now, it’s great to see how it’s being used in a way that allows for people to still enjoy the building and it’s history. Definitely recommend stopping here and going inside..

The building is an architectural blend of Gothic, Mudéjar, and Renaissance styles, famous for its exterior adorned with over 300 scallop shells. It was constructed between 1493 and 1517 as a residence for Don Rodrigo Arias Maldonado, a court official of the Catholic Monarchs and a knight of the Order of Santiago. The scallop shell is the emblem of the Order of Santiago. Some people believed that treasures were hidden beneath the shells, and there were even attempts to remove them in the past. The building is also notable for its intricately carved windows and doors, which feature delicate Plateresque-style decorations. Inside, there is a beautiful two-story courtyard with striking Mudéjar-style columns and arches. Today, the building serves as a public library, open to both locals and visitors.

This is a landmark building constructed between 1493 and 1517 and making use of Spanish Gothic and Plateresque architectural style. What makes this historic building unique are the 300 shells which decorate the facade and for which the building takes its name. You can enter the view the ground and first floor of the charming interior courtyard.These days, Casa de las Conchas serves as a public library.

This is not a major sight but it is certainly worth including on a trip around the old town of Salamanca. It gets its name from the hundreds of shells carved on its exterior, but even more impressive is the stone carving in its inner courtyard. The railings are lion’s heads are a delight.

When I was studying aboard this was the usual meeting place before going out. How fond the memories of Salamanca.