Valladolid, the soul of Castile

The Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption), also known as the unfinished cathedral, is the work of architect Juan de Herrera, who also designed El Escorial. Although unfinished, its imposing façade and Herreraesque structure reveal the ambition of the original project. Insid, it houses the Diocesan Museum and offers visits to its tower, from where there are privileged views of the city.

The Church of San Pablo is a gem of Elizabethan Gothic architecture and one of Valladolid’s visual icons. Its spectacular façade, a true stone altarpiece, the church is filled with sculptural details that fascinate visitors. Felipe II was baptized here, and royal court events took place when Valladolid was the kingdom’s capital. It is part of the historic surroundings of the Royal Palace and the Colegio de San Gregorio.

With its characteristic Romanesque bell tower and elegant Gothic apse, the Church of Antigua is one of Valladolid’s most beloved and photogenic temples. It stands on the remains of an ancient Romanesque temple, and its slender silhouette is a symbol of the city. Its fusion of styles reflects the historical evolution of religious art in Castile.

Located in the majestic Colegio de San Gregorio, the National Sculpture Museum houses one of the most important collections of polychrome sculpture in Europe. Masterpieces by artists such as Gregorio Fernández, Juan de Juni, and Alonso Berruguete transport visitors to the splendor of sacred Renaissance and Baroque art. An essential museum for understanding the artistic identity of Valladolid and Spain.

One of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in the 13th century, it has been a source of knowledge and thought for centuries. Its Baroque façade, located in the University Plaza, is one of the finest examples of academic art in Spain. Today, the university remains a cultural and scientific engine, bringing life to the city with its young and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Campo Grande is Valladolid’s great green lung. This 19th-century romantic garden is perfect for walking, resting, or discovering its rich flora and fauna, including magnificent peacocks. With ponds, sculptures, shaded paths, and charming corners, it is a natural oasis ideal for families, athletes, and lovers of tranquility right in the city center.

The city is famous for its high-quality gastronomy in small format, where tradition and innovation go hand in hand. Bars and gastrobars in the center compete annually in the prestigious National and International Pinchos and Tapas Competition, making Valladolid a benchmark for miniature cuisine. Every bite showcases local culinary talent.

A few kilometres from Valladolid lies one of the most prestigious designations of origin in Spain: Ribera del Duero. Known for its powerful and elegant reds, some of them have achieved Parker scores above 95 points, ranking among the best in the world. Wineries such as Vega Sicilia, an international icon; Dominio de Pingus, with cult wines like Pingus and Flor de Pingus; Aalto, Emilio Moro, and Abadía Retuerta are just some examples of the enological excellence of this land.

Beyond the capital, Valladolid province offers rich historical, natural, and cultural heritage that deserves to be explored: Tordesillas, with its imposing monastery and the legacy of the Treatry that changed the world; Medina del Campo, with its spectacular La Mota castle and its history linked to Isabel la Católica, or Peñafiel, which combines its castle-viewpoint with the Wine Museum, are just a few of the must-see stops.