Mansions and Monasteries in Salamanca

Christopher Columbus came to Salamanca: Famously, Christopher Columbus travelled to Salamanca after reading The Travels of Marco Polo. The13th-century travelogue led Columbusto believe that he could sail west from the coast of Spain and arrive at the West Indies. However, the Geographers at the University of Salamanca disagreed and he needed the financial backing of the Spanish crown to complete the voyage. Columbus stayed at the Convent of San Esteban until he brought the intellectuals around to his way of thinking.

The Convent Of San Esteban

Situated in the Plaza del Concilio de Trento on Calle San Pablo, the Convent of San Esteban is home to the religious Dominicans. Equal to Blackfriars, members include nuns, sisters and friars. Like La Casa de las Muertes, the convent is an example of Plateresque design. Additionally, a combination of Baroque and Gothic styles can be detected in its construction. For example, Baroque styles can easily be identified in the decorated screen behind the altar known as the reredos.

La Casa de las Muertes

La Casa de las Muertes in Salamanca was built in the sixteenth century and is an example of Plateresque design. In other words, it was built during an artistic movement characterized by floral designs and chandeliers which took place between the Gothic and Renaissance periods.

"La Casa de las Muertes" is made from Villamayor stone which is typical for the city of Salamanca. Years ago, four skulls adorned the façade of “La Casa de las Muertes”. Since its renovation, the skulls have been rounded to resemble balls; but the morbid name of the building still remains. La Casa de las Muertes is so called due to a mix of popular legends. The most widespread rumor is that that the house is haunted by the Manzano brothers.

There is also much speculation about a quadruple murder, a young lady found murdered in the courtyard and a dead priest.  Legend has it that the house is haunted by their bodies. The windows and doors of the building are ornately decorated with exquisite carvings. The house is a tourist attraction in Salamanca, but can only be viewed from the outside since it is privately owned.