Culture of Valladolid. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Several centuries ago Valladolid was the capital of the country. Nowadays it is known as a major industrial and commercial center. However, the city is still home to unique historical monuments, which have been there since the early Middle Ages thanks to careful attitude of local residents. Picturesque streets, beautiful baroque and Renaissance buildings, monuments and luxurious mansions occupy virtually the entire right bank of Valladolid.

Start observing the city's attractions from making a walk along the main street of Santiago. The street is the location of many beautiful historic buildings. While walking along the main street, you can reach Plaza Mayor. A large part of the city’s places of interest is situated around this square. Here you will find a beautiful City Hall, the facade of which faces the square, as well as the largest market of the city called Mercado del Val. This is the place where travelers come to purchase memorable gifts.

The main symbol of Valladolid - a beautiful cathedral – is located east from the square. The first religious building in the place of the cathedral was built back in the 12th century. In the end of 16th century a building of the cathedral was started on the site of former Romanesque church. It should be noted that some elements of this large-scale construction have remained inconclusive. Today the huge building stores the exhibition of City Museum, which throws the light upon the history of Valladolid and demonstrates the most valuable collection of ancient artifacts. An ancient Baroque altar is considered the main decoration of the cathedral and every visitor is welcome to see it. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Santa Maria la Antigua Church, which is located north from the cathedral, is surely one more important religious monument of the city. The elegant church was built in the 14th century and has preserved in its original form till our days. When it comes to describing architectural sites of the city, we should definitely notice Palacio de Pimentel - the birthplace of King Philip II. You can still see ancient murals in the foyer of the building. The murals illustrate most important events in life of the king. There is an old school building near the palace. Nowadays the building houses a collection of National Museum of Sculpture. It will certainly be genuinely liked by all beauty connoisseurs. The museum is home to numerous valuable religious sculptures, the age of which encounters more than one hundred years.

Once you see the collection of the museum, it’s time to walk to Universidad Square, next to which you will see a building of the medieval university. This is a grand building with a Baroque façade. It is considered one of the main architectural places of interest of Valladolid. Among other noteworthy sights of the city we simply cannot fail to mention Santa Cruz School and Cathedral of San Pablo famous for its skillfully crafted portal.

Among other interesting sights in the former capital of Spain can be found the Palace of Santa Cruz, built in 1491. The order for its construction was given by Cardinal Mendoza. It is remarkable that this is the first building built in the “Spanish Renaissance” style. Today the College of the Holy Cross is located in the building. Particularly attractive is the patio with carved balconies. You should definitely look in here to see what is so special about the university building. The Palacio de Pimentel has a high historical value – it was here that one of the most influential people in Spain, King Philip II, was born. Today meetings of deputies of the province are held here. You can visit the building at absolutely no cost.

Another attraction that should be visited is the Plaza del Viejo Coso, the former first Plaza del Toros – that is, an arena for bullfighting (bullring). It was built in 1833 and accommodated 8,000 people. Due to the growing popularity of the game, a new arena was built in 1890 in the city of kings, which already accommodated 14,000 people. But in 1980 the building turned into a residential one. Today the bullfight takes place in the Plaza de Toros de Laguna de Duero, which accommodates 3,000 people. In addition to bullfighting, concerts and shows are often held here. Before the construction of the very first stadium for bullfighting, that is, the Plaza del Viejo Coso, bullfighting was held in the squares – Plaza Mayor or Plaza de San Pablo, here simply was raised columns.

It was in Valladolid that Miguel de Cervantes ended his famous novel about a knight who was fighting with windmills. Now, this house serves as a museum, and you can find it while walking along Calle Rastro. It is worth visiting this place to feel the spirit of the time as much has been preserved here from that era – furniture, household items, and books. There are also monuments to famous personalities of Spain in the city – Christopher Columbus (who died in the former capital of Spain), and José Zorrilla-i-Moral (a great writer born in the city). By the way, the house where José Zorrilla-i-Moral lived is also opened as a museum.

The Palacio Marques de Villena is a beautiful example of the Spanish Renaissance. The construction of the palace began in the middle of the 16th century. Interesting sculptures are sited inside here, as well as a well maintained inner courtyard. While walking along the Calle Acera Recoletos, a very beautiful building constructed in modern style can be found. We are talking about the Casa del Principe, built in the late 19th century. Today residential houses are located here. It is also worth highlighting several interesting religious monuments deserving of visiting. First of all, there is the Convento de Las Francesas monastery. It is famous for its beautiful facade and inner courtyard. The Colegiata de San Luis en Villagarcia de Campos amazes with its interior decoration, and from a historical point of view, the Cathedral of Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion is interesting.