FIALLMA1VCA, one of the three modern provinces of Spain into which the ancient kin:;zwia VI Leon ((i.v.) was divided. Area abOuL 4,940 sq.m.; pop. '70, 280,570.
.17.1;11.7f217.:CA, is famous t. of Spain, capital of the modern province of the same name, stands on three a ocky hills oe the right bank of the Tomes, 50 m. e.n.e. of Ciudad Rod-. rigs. Prior to its almost total destruction by the French in 1812, it was renowned for the member of its splendid edifices end institutions, and even yet it is a rich mite for the architect, abounding as it does in magnificent spechnefis of simple and florid Gothic, es well ns of the richest einque-cento. It is surrounded hy a wall, pierced with nand gates, and a part of which is very old. The narrow, cruoked, dark, and steep streets, rontaining many old and stately structures, the, residences of the old nobility, give to the town an antique and venerable look. Besides the out cathedral. a simple and mas sive edifice, it (swains five other churches of the 12th century. The new cathedral, begun in 1513. is a maguificent structure in florid Gothic, in the adornment of which pointing, gilding, and sculpture have been largely and iciest successfully used. At the close of the 18th c. Salamanca contained 27 parish chinches. 39 convents. and 25 colleges. Of the colleges, 20 were destroyed by the French Ivhile the town was in their possession, as well as about 20 of the convents, for the purpose of obtaining materials for the erection of fortifications, and for fire-wood. The university of Salamanca, with which the tini ve•ity of Palencia (q v.) was incorporated in 1243.' was founded in 1200. In consisted
of a number of colleges, divided into maperes and menarrs, or larger and smaller col leges. Of the former, there were only six in Spain. and four of these were at Salamanca.: the other colleges were 21 in number. In the 14th e. the university was attended by 17,000 students; the attendance is now only 200. The library, according to the most recent statements, contains 30,000 volumes and 1500 MSS. The school' of Salamanca is interesting to British subjects as having, from an early period, included a college for Irish students, which supplied many of the eccicsiasecs who continued to minister to their conntrymen during the penal times, and which is still in existence. One of the most highly-prized works in Roman Catholic divinity is the great collection of contro versial and moral theology, by the members of the college of Carmelite friars in Sala manca, who are known by the name of Salmantirenses, or the .S'llainanca theolagirtio. Thu; Plaza Mawr is the largest. square in Spain, and when fitted up as a bull arena, as it was so recently as 1863, it accommodates from 16.000 to 20,000 persons. The bridge across the Tormes rests on 27 arches, and is of Rectum foundation. Manufactures of cloth, leather, and earthenware are carried on. Pop. 14,000.
Salamanca, the ancient Salmantica, was a Roman mu aiciplura. In the vicinity was won one of the most famous victories of the peninsular war, by the British underNVell ington ngainst the French under Marniont, July 22, 1812.