Biblioteca de Santa Cruz

The Biblioteca de Santa Cruz is a university library in Valladolid housed in a rectangular building that contains thousands of books and manuscripts organized across multiple sections. The spaces are divided into different areas, each dedicated to various collections and academic subjects.

The library was founded in 1483 during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs and was built on the book collection of Cardinal Pedro Gonzalez de Mendoza. This beginning made it one of the oldest educational collections in the region.

The library displays collections focused on regional history and medieval studies, reflecting how Valladolid served as an important center for scholarship over centuries. Visitors can observe how these materials continue to support research and learning today.

Access is through the main building, where different sections can be visited depending on research topics of interest. Visitors should ask about current availability of collections upon arrival, as some materials require advance notice to view.

The collection holds original documents from the 15th century, including rare texts about Spanish presence in the Americas. These manuscripts offer insight into an important chapter of European history that often surprises visitors.

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-14:00; Tuesday-Thursday 16:30-19:00; Holidays closed

Phone: +34983184271

Email: biblioteca.historica@uva.es

Website: https://biblioguias.uva.es/Biblioteca_Historica

GPS coordinates: 41.65153,-4.72014

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:45