Valadolid is the capital of Castile and Leon and the former seat of the kings of Spain. This city full of monuments with a unique student atmosphere is known for its relationship with Miguel Cervantes, the creator of Don Quixote.
The city was founded in the 8th century by the Moors, but in the 12th century it returned to the Spanish rule. The councils of the Kingdom of Castile and Leon were held here, Cortes held their debates, and in 1469 the wedding of Isabella of Castile with Ferdinand of Aragon took place, which is considered the beginning of the unification of Spain.
In 1346, the second university in Spain was established here. Its buildings scattered all over the city are valuable monuments today. The most famous facade is the University of Valladolid, specifically San Gregorio College, one of the country's finest examples of plateresco style. Today, the National Sculpture Museum operates here, and the university itself also has its own University of Valladolid Museum.
Several famous personalities are associated with the city. It was here that Christopher Columbus died in solitude and bitterness. Currently, in his reconstructed house in Santo Domingo, there is the Christopher Columbus Museum with collections on the cultures of South America. There is also the Columbus Monument. In the suburbs, on the other hand, you can visit the Cervantes House Museum, where he probably wrote one of the parts of Don Quixote. The Cervantes Monument adorns the University Square. The third figure, known mainly in Spain, is the poet and playwright Jose Zorrilla. The city has the Zorilla Square with a fountain, as well as the Jose Zorilla Museum and its monument.
There is no shortage of historic churches in Valladolid. The most important of these is the Renaissance Cathedral of Valladolid. The Diocesan and Cathedral Museum operates at the cathedral. Other noteworthy temples include St. Paul, Church of Santa Maria de la Antigua, Church of Santa Vera Cruz, Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Church of St. Augustine and the Church of the Penitencial de Jesús.
Visitors to Valladolid must not miss the local museums. In addition to the National Sculpture Museum, there are also the Science Museum in Valladolid, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of the Orient, the Museum of the Monastery of St. Joachim and Saint Anne, the Valladolid Museum, the Natural History Museum or the Arellano Alonso Museum of African Art.
