Situated in north-western Spain, Valladolid lies at the confluence of the Esgueva and Pisuerga rivers, in the Iberian Peninsula.

An important medieval city, Valladolid became the seat of the Castilian empire during the Middle Ages, but suffered severe damage during the Peninsular War in the early 19th century. Surrounded by vineyards and fields of grain alternating with medieval castles, monasteries and forests of stone pines, the city is a pleasing one, with wide avenues and pleasant gardens. It is the home of one of Spain’s oldest universities and has many an interesting old monument.

Among Valladolid’s most popular tourist attractions is the 15^th century collegiate Church of San Gregorio, a 15th century building with a magnificent Gothic façade.  The church today houses a very good museum of wood carving and sculpture, as well as a monument to Christopher Columbus, who died in Valladolid. The city’s other churches- the town Cathedral, an incomplete building, parts of which date back to the 1200s, the church of San Pablo and the church of San Benito- are also worth a visit. The main secular buildings in Valladolid include the Capitanía General Palace, the beautifully-worked university (its façade is particularly good), and the Diputacíon Provincial, which was once the residence of the dukes of Rivadavia.

In addition to these, Valladolid has attractions of other kinds too: events like the September Fairs, International Film Week and the Castile National Trade Fair; and a host of restaurants which offer some of the best Castilian cooking around: hearty roasts, excellent cheeses, butter cakes and good local wines.

Valladolid is accessible by train, road and air; Iberia Airlines operates regular flights to and from the city, and there are daily trains linking the city to Madrid as well as other important cities in Spain.

For detailed country and visitor information, see Spain.