Salamanca, city, central Spain, capital of Salamanca Province, in Castile-León, on the Tormes River. Industries include agricultural trade, food processing, and the manufacture of chemicals, pottery, leather, jewelry, and furniture. The focal point of the city is the Plaza Mayor, designed in part by Alberto Churriguera. It was built between 1729 and 1733, and completed in 1755 with the addition of the Ayuntamiento building. Its university (founded 1218) made Salamanca one of the learning centers of Europe. Also in the city is the Pontifical University of Salamanca(1134). Among the city's numerous historical and architectural landmarks are the Romanesque old cathedral (begun 1140?); the new cathedral (begun 1513; completed 1733); the Church of San Esteban, with an altar made (1693-1700) by José Benito Churriguera; and a 16th-century palace. A Roman bridge spans the Tormes. As an ancient city, it was captured by the Carthaginian general Hannibal in about 222 BC. Known as Salmantica in Roman times, it was a bishopric in the 7th century, was occupied by the Moors until 1085, and then was an important city in the Kingdom of León. Population (1998 estimate) 158,457.
