Valladolid, Spain

Welcome to Valladolid, the capital of the province of the same name and the primary seat of government of the autonomous community of Castile and León. This charming city is located in the center of the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula’s Meseta Central, at the confluence of the Pisuerga and Esgueva rivers, surrounded by winegrowing areas. With a population of around 300,000 people, Valladolid has a rich history dating back to pre-Roman times when it was settled by the Celtic Vaccaei people. The city grew in prominence within the context of the Crown of Castile, being endowed with fairs and different institutions such as a collegiate church, University (1241), Royal Court and Chancellery, and a royal mint. Valladolid was the location of Europe’s first moral debate on the treatment of indigenous people and is the city in which Christopher Columbus died. It was briefly the capital of Habsburg Spain between 1601 and 1606. The old town is made up of a variety of historic houses, palaces, churches, plazas, avenues, and parks, and includes the National Museum of Sculpture as well as the houses of Zorrilla and Cervantes which are open as museums. Notably, the city’s Plaza Mayor was the first of its kind in Spain, dating back to the thirteenth century. Among the events that are held each year in the city are the famous Holy Week, the Festival of Theatre and Street Arts (TAC), and the Valladolid International Film Festival (Seminci). In 2019, Valladolid was recognized as a City of Film as part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. Come and discover the many treasures of Valladolid, from its rich history to its delicious gastronomy and vibrant cultural scene.