Valladolid, Provincial capital in Castile and León, Spain
Valladolid is the provincial capital in the autonomous region of Castile and León in central Spain, set on a wide plain where the Pisuerga river meets the Esgueva. The city spreads across several districts crossed by broad boulevards, combining old quarters with stone buildings and modern residential areas.
Count Pedro Ansúrez founded the settlement after 1072 under King Alfonso VI of León and Castile, launching its rise as an important royal residence. During the 16th century, the city became the seat of the Spanish monarchy before the court permanently moved to Madrid.
The Plaza Mayor serves as the main meeting point where locals gather to chat and university students spend their breaks between lectures. In the streets around the main square, typical Castilian daily life unfolds through small bars serving tapas late in the morning.
The city is easy to explore on foot, as most landmarks in the historic center lie close to each other. Campo Grande station offers direct high-speed rail connections to Madrid and other major cities across Spain.
The city hosted a major 16th century debate about the treatment of indigenous peoples in the American colonies. Christopher Columbus spent his final days here and died in a house that no longer exists today.
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