House of Alba de Tormes
“In Litteris Potestas”
Origin: Lords of Alba, patrons of Salamanca's university
The lords of Alba de Tormes were closely connected to the University of Salamanca, one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious. They served as patrons and benefactors.\n\nSt. Teresa of Ávila died in their convent at Alba de Tormes in 1582, and the town became an important pilgrimage site. The family maintained her shrine for centuries.\n\nTheir castle overlooked the Tormes river, and they controlled rich agricultural lands that supplied the university city.