Top 10 Things to do in Valladolid Spain

Top 10 Things to do in Valladolid Spain

Northwest of Spain lies a city famous for royalty and religious sites from the medieval age.  Valladolid is close to the Royal Palace that was home to the Spanish Kings from the early 1600s. The rich history of Valladolid Spain makes for such an interesting place to visit with plenty of interesting things to do, in an atmosphere that is not as rushed and crowded as most. Here’s our list of the top 10 things to do in Valladolid Spain.

1. Visit the National Sculpture Museum

National Sculpture Museum, Valladolid- Wikimedia Commons

Also fondly called Museo Nacional de Escultura, this museum is enthralling in its appearance right from its exterior. To invite you to step inside is painstaking detail on the carved tympanum above the door, which opens up to reveal gothic renaissance and baroque sculptures and paintings. Should you be in Valladolid during Easter, you might see some of these art pieces paraded as floats during the Easter holiday.

The museum was first located at Palacio de Santa Cruz but moved to Colegio de San Gregorio, which was a school for theology for Dominican monks built in the late-1500s.

2. Visit Museo Patio Herreriano

Valladolid Museo Patio- by – Zarateman- Wikimedia Commons

Museo Patio Herreriano is a contemporary art museum. The Museo Patio was inaugurated by King Juan Carlos at its location at the San Benito monastery where it sits to date. Museo Patio boasts the largest private art collection in Spanish contemporary art by companies with works dating as far back as 1918 to date.

Here you will get your fill of all post World War II art. On display at this museum is artwork from renowned artists like Antoni Tápies, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro,  and Jorge Oteiza.

3. Visit Iglesia de San Pablo

Iglesia de San Pablo exterior- by.Rovchak- Wikimedia Commons

Iglesia de San Pablo is one of the most beautiful buildings you will see- rated one of the most impressive in Spain and Europe. What makes the church stand out is among other things its intricately carved façade. It was completed in 1500 and is a renowned Spanish architect and sculptor Simón de Colonia’s work.

Ornate stonework punctuates the building, a signature style from Queen Isabella I. While visiting Iglesia de San Pablo, be sure to look out for a coat of arms shared between Queen Isabella I and Fernando II. From this vantage point, you can see the baptismal place of kings Felipe II and Felipe IV. You will also be able to see Francisco Gómez de Sandoval’s tomb.

4. Take a walk around Plaza San Pablo

Plaza de San Pablo-by Jose Luis Filpo Cabana- Wikimedia Commons

A walk around Plaza San Pablo wide square reveals some of the city of Valladolid’s most amazing architecture. The square also hosts some of the city’s significant places such as King Felipe II’s birthplace, Palacio de Pimentel, and the seat of the Royal Spanish Court between 1601 and 1606, Palacio Real. From the square, you also will see the birthplace of one of the city’s most well-known writers, Casa Museo Jose Zorrilla.

The San Pablo church however takes center stage at the square- the church stands magnificent with amazing architecture. It has one nave, an elongated transept, and five chapels lying in between the buttresses. A walk around Plaza San Pablo is sure to whet your architectural appetite for the amazing Valladolid set up.

 5. Stroll in Campo Grande Park

Campo Grande- by Zarateman- Wikimedia Commons

Campo Grande Park is the pride of Valladolid; it is the city’s largest green space measuring in at over 100,000 square meters. Here you will see over 100 different tree species and numerous flower gardens. Fountains, lakes, and ponds dot the park. In other words, when you visit Campo Grande Park, you will be in a haven! Furthermore, Campo Grande Park is as inviting and pleasant through all seasons hence outrightly makes the list of the top 10 things to do in Valladolid, Spain.

6. Visit Las Moreras Beach

Las Moreras Beach by the Playa Moreras- Porquenopuedo- Wikimedia Commons

A beach in Valladolid can be rather unexpected since this is not a coastal city. However, the Las Moreras Beach along the Piserga River is a welcome surprise. This beach is popular with the locals and allows pets. The beach is just right for soaking up the sun, with breaks for drinks at the beach bar. The waters at the beach however may not be ideal for a dip.

7. Visit Santa María la Antigua Church

Iglesia de Santa María La Antigua- by D.Rovchak- Wikimedia Commons

This Romanesque church has many rewards at every turn. From its structure to the detail, the Maria la Antigua Church is worth a visit during your Valladolid Spain visit. The bell tower from the church has come to be associated with Valladolid as it is somewhat a symbol of it that became famous. Furthermore, the bell tower is the only part of the Santa María la Antigua Church’s original design that still stands.

The Church’s architecture is gothic, with the characteristic romanesque unassuming décor and classic long narrow arches of the windows. The pyramid spire and square shape also give its Roman influences away. Additionally, the arcaded gallery with fourteen arches in three sections separated by Cisterian- style buttresses are beautiful to look at.

8. Academia de Caballería

Academia de caballeria- by Miguel Angel Guadilla- Wikimedia Commons

You will want to switch gears and visit the Academia de Caballería. Its historic design that drew inspiration from Castilian plateresque architecture from Spain’s Golden Age gives it a peculiar look. During your visit expect some activity as the building is still functional- property of the Spanish military, located in Valladlid’s main park, Campo Grande. It is the only cavalry academy still operational in Spain.

Academia de Caballería is the ultimate treat for a military history enthusiast- the medals, weapons, saddles, paintings, and other memorabilia that showcase Spain’s cavalry are on display here.

9. Visit the Valladolid Cathedral

Catedral de Valladolid- by Emijrp- Wikimedia Commons

The 16th-century altarpiece at the Cathedral of Valladolid alone is worth a visit to the Valladolid Cathedral. This superb Cathedral also goes by the name Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. It came up in the 16^th Century and got an addition to its sheer beauty, which was the façade, in the 18^th century.

You will want to visit the Valladolid Cathedral Museum for a view of an array of religious sculptures and paintings.

10. Visit Casa de Cervantes

Casa Cervantes- by Lourdes Cardenal- Wikimedia Commons

Lessons in history particularly about a city and its greats is always a good idea. A visit to Casa de Cervantes will take you way back. One of Spain’s most esteemed cultural figures Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was a resident of Valladolid, Spain. One of his major accolades is as the author of the world’s first modern novel, ‘Don Quijote’

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra’s house on Calle del Rastro is kept as it was when he lived there. The style including furnishings is from the 17^th century. A visit here will give you time travel- like experience.

Valladolid Spain will charm its way into your heart- it is a beautiful city rich in history and with plenty to see, from palaces, churches, historic houses, plazas, and parks. These top 10 things to do in Valladolid Spain ensure that you have a taste of the diverse things on the menu while in the city.