Cid's Spain © Mark Wade

Valladolid became favored by Spanish royalty after the 12th Century, with a major university founded here in the 15th Century. In 1492 it was made the capital of Castille, replacing Burgos in that role.

As with many cities in Spain, major rebuilding in the 16th Century wiped out most traces of the Valladolid of the Cid's day. Latitude: 41.65. Longitude: -4.74.

• Book II Chapter XV:

  The chief counsellor of King Don Alfonso was Don Pero Ansures, a notable and valiant knight, of the old and famous stock of the Ansures, Lords of Monzon, which is nigh unto Palencia; the same who in process of time was Count of Carrion and of Saldana and Liebana, and Lord of Valladolid, a city which was by him greatly increased.

• Book II Chapter XXIV:

  Now therefore I beseech you as my friend and true vassal, that you go to Zamora to my sister Dona Urraca, and say unto her again, that I beseech her to give me the town either for a price, or in exchange, and I will give to her Medina de Rio-seco, with the whole Infantazgo, from Villalpando to Valladolid, and Tiedra also, which is a good Castle; and I will swear unto her, with twelve knights of my vassals, never to break this covenant between us; but if she refuseth to do this I will take away the town from her by force.

• Book II Chapter XXIV:

  Then said my Cid, The King your brother sends to greet you, and beseeches you to give him this town of Zamora, either for a price or in exchange; and he Will give to you Medina de Rio-seco, with the whole Infantazgo, from Villalpando to Valladolid, and the good castle of Tiedra, and he will swear unto you, with twelve knights his vassals, never to do you hurt or harm; but if you will not give him the town, he will take it against your Will.

• Book IV Chapter XI:

  Alvar Fanez went his way to Castille, and he found the King in Valladolid, and he presented to him the thirty horses, with all their trappings, and swords mounted with silver hanging from the saddle-bows.

• Book VII Chapter XXIV:

  Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez went their way towards Castille, over sierras and mountains and waters; and they asked where the King was, and it was told them that he was at Valladolid, and thither they went.

• Book VII Chapter XXVI:

  On the morrow the messengers of the Cid departed from Valladolid, and took their way towards Valencia; and when the Cid knew that they were nigh at hand he went out to meet them, and when he saw them he waxed joyful; and he embraced them, and asked what tidings of his Lord Alfonso.

• Book VIII Chapter XX:

  Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez held on their way, and came to the King, whom they found in Valladolid.