Visiting Valladolid
The city of Valladolid is situated in west of Spain, surrounded by various provinces comprising the Autonomous Region of Castilla y León. It is made the administrative capital rich in architectural diversity as it is sophisticated in its history and charm. It is only about 2 hours’ drive from Madrid.
History of Valladolid
This city hosted the wedding of King Fernando and Queen Isabel in 1469 as well as serving as the Spanish Court venue during the Middle and Modern Ages. It also served as a meeting point of explorers who discussed navigation plans as did Fernando de Magallanes.
It honored Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quijote, as one of its residents while famed as where Christopher Columbus last breathed.
Valladolid was a city where kings, queens and prominent Spanish history figures left imprints on besides its architectural structures. It is where King Felipe II and King Felipe III were born. But when the Spanish court was moved to Madrid in the 17th century, Valladolid lost its luster until its population dropped to barely 20,000.
Although the French invaded Valladolid in early 19th century, Valladolid bloomed in the following century due to the intense industrial development in automobiles.
Valladolid today
Valladolid today has a population of over 500,000 to be considered Castilla-Leon’s biggest city. An extensive road system with good services has been set in place to create the feisty environment through cultural and artistic activities. It is a shopping haven as well as for relaxation at its plentiful quaint and excellent cafés, terraces and hotels.
Not only does Valladolid have an international airport, Villanubla to make it accessible by Ryanair, Iberia, Lagunair and Air France, it will be connected to Madrid by rail according to the Spanish railway project.
More upgrade projects are in the pipeline for this city with the Museum of Spanish Contemporarty Art “Patio Herreriano” which is a Science Museum. Meanwhile, the Courts of Castilla y León will renew their political influence with new administrative infrastructures in the 21st century.
Weather at Valladolid
With a continental climate of 6-16 degrees Celsius, it experiences hot summers and cold winters with frequent rain in the autumn and spring seasons.
Notable Sights of Valladolid
Valladolid boasts of the famed National Sculpture Museum which is situated in San Gregorio College. This museum houses a vast collection of Spanish and polychromatic wooden sculptures, altarpieces, statues and a 16th century Gothic Pietá.
Another interesting museum worthy of visit is the Patio Herreriano, a Contemporary Art museum. It showcases more than 800 pieces of modern-day Spanish art since 1918.
The Cathedral of Valladolid can be found opposite the University. It was designed by the same architect for Escorial, Madrid, Juan de Herrera in the 16th century but the main façade was only completed in the 18th century by A. Churriguera, a renowned artist. There are impressive pieces of sculpture as well as collection of paintings inside the cathedral.
Although Valladolid is not by the sea, there is a small but pleasant beach near the river Pisuerga which is close to the city centre. Sunbathing is allowed while swimming is not encouraged.
There are almost 100 species of trees in El Campo Grande Park in Valladolid which spans over 100,000 square meters and attracts many to its shade and flora and fauna.
There is never a dull moment in Valladolid with its lively cafes and tapas bars to while the night away at your leisure. Another cultural event worth mentioning is the International Film Festival which is held every October with many international directors, producers and celebrities to Valladolid.
Besides that, there is also the International Dance and Theatre Festival every May while every September, one can participate in the International Trade Exposition.