House of Shells, a 15th-century Gothic-Plateresque urban palace distinguished by over 300 scallop shells on its façade
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The Casa de las Conchas is a 15th-century Gothic-Plateresque urban palace famed for its façade adorned with more than 300 scallop shells, symbol of the Order of Santiago and the Way of St. James, making it an architectural and cultural emblem of Salamanca.
Where is the House of Shells?
It is located at Libreros, 2, next to Salamanca’s Plaza Mayor, right in the historic center. Its façade faces the busy street linking the Plaza Mayor with the Cathedral and the University.
When and how was it built?
The palace was constructed between 1493 and 1517 by order of Rodrigo Arias de Maldonado, a knight of the Order of Santiago. It blends late Gothic elements with Plateresque decoration: columns, friezes and tracery carved in golden sandstone, all embellished with sculpted scallop shells.
Why is it so significant?
- Shell iconography: over 300 scallop shells symbolize the pilgrimage to Santiago and the owner’s lineage.
- Fusion of styles: a transition between Gothic and Plateresque seen in its rich sculptural ornament.
- Cultural use: since 1929 it has housed the Public Library and the Official School of Languages, preserving its service vocation.
What can you see on a visit?
- Main façade with its shells, coats of arms and central balcony.
- Inner courtyard, two-storey porticoed with semicircular arches and twisted columns.
- Spiral staircase connecting the floors, offering views of the Plateresque carvings.
- Halls and classrooms retaining wooden ceilings and Renaissance details.
How is the visit organized?
Access to the courtyard is free during Library opening hours. For interior rooms, check for guided tours through the Salamanca Tourist Office.
Where to find opening times and activities?
Visit the Salamanca Tourist Office at Plaza Mayor, 1 or the City Hall website for Library hours and cultural workshops.
What else to see nearby?
- Plaza Mayor, a Baroque jewel and gathering place.
- Unamuno House-Museum, nearby home of writer Miguel de Unamuno.
- University of Salamanca with its emblematic Plateresque façade.
- Old and New Cathedral, just a few steps away.
- Huerto de Calixto y Melibea, a romantic riverside garden.
In short, the Casa de las Conchas is a fascinating testament to Renaissance splendor in Salamanca, a living palace that unites history, art and function in the heart of the city.
How to get there
C. de la Compañía, 2, 37002 Salamanca. Castilla y León. España.
Decimal: 40.963056°, -5.665833°
DMS: 40°57'47" N, 5°39'57" O
