Valladolid, which was once the capital of Spain for five short years, was a city of Kings. Located in the heart of Castille Y Leon about 330 kilometers south of Pamplona, the city played an important part in the country’s history, which is highly visible in its many historical buildings with diverse architectural designs.
COMING TO VALLADOLID
Our stay in Pamplona was short-lived. Because of bad weather, we decided to leave the city and go to our next target destination – Valladolid. It was 9.15 in the morning of Saturday, November 5, when we left Pamplona and after a 5-hour drive, covering a distance of 330 kilometers, we arrived in Valladolid. It was raining the whole time that we were driving; luckily the weather was better in Valladolid. It was still a bit cold, 8 degrees C, but at least it was not raining. We parked on a big free parking area opposite Ferie de Valladolid and stayed there for 2 days.
CAMPSITE :
Area de Valladolid, Avenida de Ramon Pradera
47009 Valladolid
Coordinates : N : 41.65606 W : 4.73751
It is a big parking area with reserved places for campers. Free of charge in the weekend . There is a possibility to empty chemical toilet. The parking is opposite Feria de Valladolid; and it is about 1 kilometer walk to the city center.
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR VALLADOLID VISIT
I. MUSEUM VISIT
The best times to visit Valladolid is in the weekend, then admittance to most musea and churches is free. However, good planning is needed as these musea are usually open up to 14.00 in the afternoon. With such limited time on Sunday, we were still able to visit three good musea in the city, and even had the time to attend the Eucharistic Mass in one of the city’s beautiful impressive churches.
a. Museo de Valladolid
The museum, which is housed in Palacio Fabio Nelli de Espinosa (one of the best example of late 16th century classic Valladolid architecture), is devoted primarily on archaeology and art. It has permanent exhibitions over different periods of civilization and artworks depicting some of Valladolid’s buildings, important persons and religious paintings.
Two interesting features of the museum are the courtyard/staircase, and a Marquette of the City from 1738.
Entrance to the museum is 1 euro; free admittance on weekend.
b. Museo Nacional de Escultura
Located near Plaza San Pablo, the museum which houses collection of 13th-18th century sculpture pieces, comprises three buildings : Casa del Sol, Palacio de Villena and Colegio de San Gregorio. It has rich collection of sculpture pieces from baroque to renaissance period. These collections are really stunning and remarkable. The building itself (Colegio de San Gregorio) is already a sight with its cofferred and illustriously decorated ceilings.
Entrance to the museum is 3 euro; free on weekend. Because we didn’t have enough time, we were only able to visit the main building, Colegio de San Gregorio.
c. Museo Arte Africano Arellano Alonso
Housed in Palacio de Sta. Cruz, the museum is dedicated to African arts. Special implements, attributes, masks and other objects about African culture and history are displayed on three rooms : Sala de rectores, Sala Renacimiento, and Sala de San Ambrocio. Entrance is free.
II. CHURCH VISITS
Religious buildings are a-plenty in the city of Valladolid. From imposing cathedral and churches to simple chapels and convents. In a short time that we were here, we were able to see at least 6 of these churches, 4 of which we have seen the interior. These are.
- Cathedral
. Iglesia de San Pablo
- Real Monastery of San Benito (where we also attended Sunday mass)
- San Salvador Church
.San Agustin Church
- Delas Angustias Church
III. VALLADOLID AT NIGHT
Valladolid is surely a charming city. It has lots of modern buildings and also old buildings and palaces with allure, class and sophistication. Plaza Mayor is considered to be the main square where the Casa Consistorial is also located. The city exudes more charm, magic and romance as the nigiht falls. It is the perfect time to stroll and have a night walk in the city’s major streets. It is the time when important building like the Casa Consistorial and other religious buildings are lighted and sparkle a sense of romanticism.
EXTRA TIPS :
***Visit Pasaje de Gutierrez found at Calle Fray Luis de Leon, near the Cathedral. It is a nice passage with galleries and beautifully-lighted ceiling.
***Stroll at campo Grande, a romantic park with lots of fountains and peacocks, located behind the office of tourism.
***Take a look at Plaza del Viejo Coso, located near Museo de Valladolid. It is the former Plaza de Toros; admire the authentic building construction on the square.
Our customary ppictures together 🙂
DJ Travel Experience 