valladolid

Valladolid is the current capital of Spain's largest province, Castilla-Leon. It is the largest city in the region. Bounded on the north by Palencia, east by Burgos and Segovia, south by Avila and Salamanca, and west by Zamora.

It is built on the site of an ancient Roman city. From the 13th century until the 17th century Valladolid was the most important town in the kingdom of Castille and a possible capital for Spain, the city is a tribute to Spanish life during the "Age of Discovery." Valladolid is packed with history; you'll find a wealth of treasures in this former medieval town where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella married in the 15th century. It offers many old churches and monuments, and museums, throughout the city house ancient finds and artifacts.

Valladolid is famous for its beautiful gardens and the solemnity and grace of its Holy Week celebrations. However, Valladolid is not only rich in Spanish culture and history, but also in spirituality.

The region, is where Christopher Columbus and Cervantes lived, their houses can still be seen in Valladolid, The famous writer, Miguel Cervantes, home has now been turned into a museum in his memory. Valladolid was also home to St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross.

Most of the attractions of the city can be covered on foot, although the two most distant points recommended must not be forgotten; the Museo Nacional de Escultura and the Museo Oriental. The "Museo Nacional de Escultura" (National Sculpture Museum) with an incomparable collection of the works of the greatest Spanish artists from the 16th and 17th centuries, including Berruguete, it is one the most important in the country. The building itself is an impressive example of Spanish Renaissance architecture.

The city has many ancient churches, museums and monuments but is also very famous for its university which was founded in the 13th century and is the second oldest in Spain. Valladolid is also home to 'The English College', originally founded for the training of priests for the English and Welsh Mission, some parts of the building date from the early 17th century and it is situated in the centre of this bustling city

The founder of Valladolid was the Castilian Count Ansurez. He built many of the churches still standing today. Two magnificent Plateresque buildings also worth mentioning are - the Santa Cruz College; founded by Cardinal Mendoza, it has been converted into a museum, and contains many beautiful samples of religious sculptures.

The second is the Dominican College of San Gregorio. Other visitors attractions include The ancient Palacio Real, which serves as a court building. This has a beautiful tower at each side.

As is almost mandatory to this region, Valladolid also hosts an exquisite cathedral. The Cathedral Metropolitana, originated in the 16th century and had a plain masonry style. However Subsequent architects felt the need to make the cathedral more ornate and adorned the exterior with garish gargoyles, giving the church a Gothic feel. Behind the modern cathedral are the remains of the ancient cathedral of Santa Maria la Mayor, Now to be found in its restored state, which took place a century and a half later.

The Dominican Convent of San Pablo, founded by the wife of Alfonso X, the Wise, deserves special mention. It is a Gothic building, the most notable feature of which is the facade of its church, which truly must be seen to really be appreciated.

Other Towns of the Province

Tamariz de Campos - is a small municipality of the province. The passing of the "Canal of Castile" (branch of "Campos") through the municipal term of Tamariz, creates a small oasis of water and vegetation that contrasts with the surrounding dryness. It hosts two exquisiye temples that of San Juan and San Pedro.

Tordesillas - The historical Castilian town of Tordesillas is an important crossroads since Roman times, in a place where the green and nature offer the guest the best of the landscape. In 1494 the 'Treaty of Tordesillas' was signed in the town by the Kings of Portugal and Spain to divide up the New World. It was declared to be a site of Cultural Interest in 1931.

Although unfinished, Valladolid's Cathedral was designed by Juan de Herrera, architect of El Escorial

Valladolid is an economic motor of the autonomous community, having an especially important automobile industry. There is an airport at nearby Villanubla.

Vallisoletanos (or pucelanos) are reputed to speak the purest Castilian of all of Spain, a reputation similar to that of Tours. . However, this widespread belief is merely a myth,.

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