The Salamanca Plaza del Mercado is a well appointed establishment set in downtown Salamanca, just a few meters from the city's Plaza Mayor. This lovely property is set in a protected building that has been faithfully reconstructed, retaining its original front and one of the most emblematic arches of the city. Perhaps the most famous attribute of Salamanca is its university, founded in the early 1200s by Alfonso IX. In its heyday, it was ranked amongst the four leading lights of the medieval world, the others being Oxford, Paris, and Bologna. Today's Salamanca is still an exciting destination, a fabulous mix of medieval palaces, cobbled streets and stately churches enlivened by the energy of a substantial student and tourist crowd. In November of 1988 the city was granted the honorable title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and in 2002 was named a European Capital of Culture. The Salamanca Plaza Hotel combines the comfort and convenience of a modern hotel with the delightful elegance of a historical building. Inaugurated as a hotel in 2001, each of the Salamanca Plaza's 38 rooms is tastefully decorated with such up to date amenities as A/C, cable television, direct dial telephone, Internet access, and en suite bath facilities. The hotel offers on site dining and a convivial bar, and meeting rooms can be reserved by business travelers. All of the city's major tourist attractions are well within reach of this conveniently located property.