Unicaja, the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), the City Council of Salamanca, and the Junta de Castilla y León have signed an agreement today to launch the Casa de la Ciencia del CSIC ‘María la Brava’ in Salamanca. This space is open to the public and aims to become a reference in scientific culture in Salamanca and Castilla y León, promoting access to science in an accessible and innovative way.
The signing ceremony took place today at the Reception Hall of the City Council of Salamanca, attended by Carlos Closa Montero, Vice President of Organization and Institutional Relations of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; Rocío Lucas Navas, Education Councilor of the Junta de Castilla y León; Carlos García Carbayo, Mayor of Salamanca, and Alberto Gurrionero, Territorial Subdirector of Castilla y León Sur at Unicaja.
During the signing ceremony, the representatives of the four institutions emphasized the crucial role that the future Casa de la Ciencia will play as a meeting place between the public and the scientific community, offering a space where knowledge and history will come together in an emblematic environment.
Furthermore, it is seen as a channel to strengthen collaboration with various actors in the R&D+i system, fostering synergies and joint projects, such as citizen science. Among its main objectives is not only to increase the visibility and projection of CSIC’s research in Castilla y León but also to serve as a meeting point for researchers, technologists, and creators in the community.
With a strong social commitment, the Casa de la Ciencia aims to bring research work closer to the general public, promoting a more informed and participatory society in science. To achieve this, it will offer permanent educational and informative activities and workshops tailored to different age groups. These activities will be based on scientific rigor, sustainability, and respect for the environment, combining pedagogy, entertainment, and dissemination from a cultural perspective, as stated in the agreement.
By signing this agreement, the institutions involved reaffirm their commitment to research, education, and the advancement of knowledge as fundamental pillars for the development of society.
The agreement signed today continues the general action protocol signed on September 14, 2022, where these institutions laid the foundation for collaboration in creating the new Casa de la Ciencia del CSIC in the city, the third to be opened in Spain after Valencia and Seville.
History, science, and innovation at Casa de María la Brava
Casa de Doña María la Brava is a historic building from the 15th century located at number 5 Plaza de los Bandos, in the heart of the historic center of Salamanca and just 250 meters from Plaza Mayor. Designated as a historical-artistic monument, the property was acquired and renovated in 2008 by Unicaja for use as a museum space.
The building, with four floors and a usable area of 1,282 square meters, maintains the essence of noble houses from the second half of the 15th century, although its interior has been completely renovated. Throughout the 20th century, it housed a school and the facilities of the Salamanca Pharmaceutical College.
The name of the house honors Doña María Rodríguez de Monroy, known as «La Brava,» a member of an influential Salamanca family from the 15th century. During the War of the Bands, where different factions fought for control of the city, her sons were killed. In search of revenge, Doña María pursued the perpetrators, ordered their execution, and placed their heads on her sons’ tomb. This act marked her legend and made her a historical figure remembered for her determination and relentless character.
With the creation of the new Casa de la Ciencia, this historic space will be enhanced, complementing Salamanca’s museum offerings in scientific culture with the experience, background, and accredited research quality by CSIC – the largest Spanish research organization and the seventh worldwide – without losing sight of art and innovation.