In the heart of the old quarter of Salamanca, this beautiful green space is the setting of one of the most widely read books in Spanish literature.
The Garden of Calisto and Melibea (Huerto de Calisto y Melibea) is a rather small but beautiful natural space in the city center. Walk among rich vegetation and explore the place that inspired the renowned and romantic book La Celestina (The Celestine), also known as La Tragicomedia de Calisto y Melibea (The Tragicomedy of Calisto and Melibea). It’s believed that the story was written at the end of the 15th century by the Spanish author and respected legal expert Fernando de Rojas. It’s considered one of the most important humanistic comedies in Spanish literature. Discover the enchanting hideaway where the lovers of the story, Calisto and Melibea, meet and the spot where the book reaches its tragic ending.
The garden is about half an acre acre (2,500 square meters) in size and is a lovely green area for taking a break from a busy day of sightseeing. At the entrance find the statue of Celestina, an old and greedy madam and one of the most famous characters of the book. Under the statue read the words taken from the story “Soy una vieja cual Dios me hizo, no peor que todas. Si bien o mal vivo, Dios es el testigo de mi corazón." (I am an old lady made by God, no worse than any. If I live in good or in evil, God is the witness of my heart).
Wander among the garden’s great variety of trees, flowers and bushes. Find the lovely well and the area known as Jardín del Visir, which was added to thegarden in 1992. It was once part of the house of Agustín Sánchez Manzanera, a rich owner also known as “El Visir” (The Vizier).
While you are in the Huerto de Calisto y Melibea, be sure to take some stunning panoramic photos. You’ll find exceptional views, due to its location. It is close to Salamanca’s ancient defensive wall and near the beautiful Río Tormes (River Tormes).
