Valladolid, capital of the region of Castilla y Leon, offers several important cultural and artistic sites. Being a middle-sized city is it easy to feel at ease strolling through its streets, discovering its Plazas and Gothic buildings. Here is our list of top sights and main places to visit when travelling to Valladolid.
National Sculpture Museum – Museo Nacional de Escultura
Among the top sights of Valladolid we must list the National Sculpture Museum, located in the beautiful San Gregorio College. In this vast museum you will find a wonderful collection of Spanish sculpture, polychromatic wooden sculptures, statues, altarpieces, and even Gothic Pietá from the 16th century.
The National Sculpture Museum is in street (calle) San Gregorio
Open from September 21 to March 20, from Tuesday to Saturday ( 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.00 to 18.00). From March 21 to September 20, it is open from Tuesday to Saturday (10.00 to 14.00h and 16.00 to 21.00). On Sundays and holiday from 10.00 to 14.00. The Museum is closed on Mondays and on some holidays.
Admission is around 1-2 Euro, and it’s free on Sundays.
Patio Herreriano – Museum of Contemporary Spanish Art
A very different but equally interesting Museum is the Patio Herreriano, Museum of Contemporary Art. The Museum displays a collection over 800 pieces of contemporary Spanish art from 1918 to the present day. Sculptures, painting and works on paper, show Spanish art from the 20th and 21st centuries.
The Patio Herrriano is in street (calle) Jorge Guillén, 6.
Open Tuesday to Friday ( 11:00h to 20:00 h.) Saturday from 10:00h to 20:00h and Sunday from 10:00h to 15:00h.
The Museum is closed on Mondays and on some holidays.
Admission is around 4 Euro.
Cathedral of Valladolid – Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
The Cathedral of Valladolid is located right opposite to the University. It begun to be build on the 16th century, designed by Juan de Herrera, architect also of the famous Escorial in Madrid . Its main façade was not finished until the 18th century, by the famous artist A. Churriguera. Inside the cathedral there is an outstanding 16th century altar piece by Juan de Juni. In the chapels of the former Collegiate church (from the 13 th century) you can visit the Diocesan and Cathedral’s Museum with a remarkable collection of sculpture and painting.
The house of Cervantes – Casa de Cervantes
This is the house where Cervantes lived between 1604 and 1606, at this time his master piece don Quijote de la Mancha was published, and the presence of the windmill-chasing knight is nearly tangible here. The building dates from the late 16th century and was built by Juan de las Navas. A serene historical space remains at the house where Cervantes first imagined don Quijote. Cervantes’ vast library and his rooms are still preserved and can be visited in the house.
The House-museum of Cervantes in Valladolid is in street El Rastro, 14.
Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 to 15:00 h and Sundays from 10:00 to 15:00 h. The Museum is closed on Mondays and on some holidays.
Admission is between 1 and 3 Euros and is free on Sundays.
Beach of Las Morenas – Playa de las Morenas
Valladolid has no sea, but you can nevertheless enjoy this small and pleasant beach by the river Pisuerga, just a short walk from the city centre. Swimming is not recommended but you can sunbathe here.
Campo Grande Park
El Campo Grande is the most famous park of Valladolid, come here for a rest or for a walk and enjoy the shade of nearly 100 different species of trees. Set in an area of over 100.000 m², the park features beautiful plant, artistic, water and zones.
Valladolid has also a wide offer for nightlife and entertainment, lively cafes, charming wine and tapas bars and dance clubs are spread throughout the city. Students fill the countless bars on Calle Paraíso, near the Cathedral. For Pubs we recommend the Plaza San Miguel and Plaza Marti y Monsó.
Among the main cultural events that take place in Valladolid we must mention the International Film Festival which takes place in October, attracting every year many international directors, actors and producers.
Also the Easter Processions (la Semana Santa) in Valladolid are well known and impressive. Other significant events include the International Dance and Theatre Festival, in May, and the International Trade Exposition that takes place in September.