Is the Casa de las Conchas free to visit?
Yes. The house is Salamanca's public library, and entry is free. There's no ticket or booking: you walk in during opening hours and visit the courtyard quietly, as the library is in use.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Friday 9:00–21:00, Saturday 9:00–14:00 and 16:00–19:00, and Sunday and holidays 10:00–14:00 and 16:00–19:00. Hours are shorter in summer (July to early September) and on some holidays, so check before you go.
How many shells are on the Casa de las Conchas?
More than 300 carved scallop shells cover the façade. The number usually quoted is around 300 to 350, set in a regular diamond pattern across the golden sandstone.
Why is it covered in shells?
The scallop is the emblem of the Order of Santiago, to which the builder, Rodrigo Maldonado de Talavera, belonged. The shell is also linked to the Pimentel family, into which his son married, so the house may celebrate both. The exact intention isn't recorded.
Who built the Casa de las Conchas?
Rodrigo Maldonado de Talavera, a knight of the Order of Santiago, law professor and rector of the University of Salamanca, and a member of the Royal Council of Castile. Work began around 1493 and was completed in 1517, under his son Rodrigo Arias Maldonado.
What can you see inside?
The entrance hall and the two-storey courtyard, with mixtilinear arches, an openwork stone balustrade, carved lions' heads holding coats of arms, and a well in the centre. The rest of the building is the library itself.
How long does a visit take?
15 to 30 minutes for the façade and courtyard. It's a short stop that fits easily between the Plaza Mayor, the Clerecía, the university and the cathedrals.
Is there a legend about the shells?
Yes. One story says a gold coin is hidden under one of the shells. Another tells how the Jesuits, building the Clerecía across the street, tried to buy the house to demolish it and open up a view of their church, and the owners refused.
Can I take photos?
Yes, in the courtyard, quietly and without disturbing library users. The façade is best photographed from the steps of the Clerecía opposite, or from the corner of Rúa Mayor.
Is there a guided tour of the Casa de las Conchas?
There's no official tour of the house, but the best walking tours of Salamanca stop here. The top-rated monuments walk visits the façade and courtyard with a live guide in English.
Where is the Casa de las Conchas?
At Calle de la Compañía 2, on the corner of Rúa Mayor, in Salamanca's old city. It's about 3 minutes' walk from the Plaza Mayor and faces the Clerecía.
What else is nearby?
Directly opposite is the Clerecía with its Scala Coeli towers. The Palacio de Monterrey is a block away, and the university, the Old and New Cathedrals and the Plaza Mayor are all within five minutes.
