House of Shells

The Casa de las Conchas, in Salamanca

The Casa de las Conchas, the house of shells, is one of the most emblematic buildings of Salamanca. The Salamanca audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this residence adorned with hundreds of shells, become a public library.

A house adorned with shells

The Casa de las Conchas is a residence of the end of the fifteenth century, famous for its façade adorned with hundreds of scallop shells carved in the stone. This motif evokes the Order of Santiago, to which its owner belonged, and the way of Compostela. Blending Gothic and Renaissance styles, equipped with an elegant inner courtyard, the house today houses a public library and remains one of the symbols of Salamanca.

What to see

You admire the façade adorned with hundreds of carved scallop shells, the elegant inner courtyard and the library housed in the house. The Casa de las Conchas blends Gothic and Renaissance and is among the symbols of Salamanca. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Casa de las Conchas lies in the heart of the historic centre of Salamanca, reachable on foot. The façade can be freely admired from the street; access to the courtyard and the library follows its own hours, which vary. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

Why is the Casa de las Conchas named so?

Because of its façade adorned with hundreds of carved scallop shells, in reference to the Order of Santiago and the way of Compostela.

Where is the Casa de las Conchas?

In the heart of the historic centre of Salamanca, in Spain.