Holidays in Valladolid - Like a Travel through History

Added: 05/03/2006

Spain's cities and regions are as far-flung and varied as they are autonomous. From the sun-worshipping seaside resorts of the Costas to the hillside villages of the snowy Pyrenees, Spain dishes up a diversity of riches. In Castile and in Valladolid and Toledo, the cities have remained entirely intact since the medieval cities were first built. Just come here and soak up the centuries of history.

Valladolid is the capital city of the Castile and Leon area with the airport that's around 10 km outside of the city centre. Valladolid was once a centre of politics, finances and culture, until it lost its capital status to Madrid in the 16th Century. The city preserves an important heritage of monuments in its old quarter, especially aristocratic houses and religious buildings and its rich cultural heritage is still very evident in its architecture and museums.

Outstanding among the monuments in Valladolid is the unfinished Cathedral. The architect Juan de Herrera was commissioned by King Felipe II to design the original scheme in the 16th century. The death of both left the church unfinished. In 1730, Master Churriguera finished the work on the main front. Inside the cathedral, the great chapel houses a magnificent fresco created by Juan de Juni. From the complex you can get into the Diocesan Museum, in which the outstanding features are various carvings, as well as a silver monstrance by Juan de Arfe.

Other interesting churches in Valladolid are the Gothic church of Santiago and the church of Santa Maria la Antigua, with its unusual pyramid-shaped Romanesque tower. The 16th-century Plaza Mayor is right in the heart of the city. On one side of it stands the City Hall, a building from the beginning of the century crowned by the clock tower. In the nearby streets are many large houses and palaces. The Palace of Los Pimentel, today the seat of the Provincial Council, is one of the most important, as King Philip II was born in it.

The 16th-century Palace of the Marquises of Valverde, and that of the banker Fabio Nelli also stick out. The Museum of Valladolid occupies this complex, exhibiting a collection of furniture, sculptures, paintings and ceramic pieces. The University with its Baroque facade decorated with various academic symbols, and the Santa Cruz College, form one of the first examples of the Spanish Renaissance.

Culture vultures will really find much to enjoy in Valladolid with its many museums, churches and galleries. Gourmands and wine-lovers will also be in seventh heaven, as will those who have more enthusiasm than expertise who just enjoy our tapas and sangria. The best way to sample local cuisine is by visiting restaurants. La Fragua is the place to go for a fine dining experience. Only the very best of the local produce is used here.

Restaurante Covadonga has a fair elegance about it, but the main attraction is Polly, the talking stuffed parrot. The food is quite affordable.

Restaurant Chino Gran Muralla is the best Chinese restaurant in town with very affordable prices.

As a city that has experienced notable urban growth in the last few decades, Valladolid offers a wide range of leisure and cultural opportunities: cinemas, theatres and museums, as well as exclusive lodging. Olid Melia hotel is located in the heart of the city, providing modern facilities that make it the ideal choice for business travelers. The hotel offers 170 double, 34 single rooms and 7 suites all equipped with modern amenities.

With a great cultural, historic and leisure diversity in Valladolid, you are sure to have one outstanding holiday destination.

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