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Valladolid -- Turism

Valladolid began to become important from the 11th century, when Count Ansúrez came to govern the city in the name of Alfonso VI. It reached its peak during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs (15th C.), when the university became one of the most important in the country. And, as well as playing a leading role in key episodes in Spanish history, Valladolid has twice been the capital, firstly with Carlos I (16th C.) and later when Felipe III came to the throne (17th C.).

The capital of Castella-León preserves an important heritage of monuments in its old quarter, especially aristocratic houses and religious buildings. Outstanding among them is the unfinished Cathedral. The architect Juan de Herrera was commissioned by King Felipe II to design the original scheme in the 16th century. The death of both left the church unfinished and its central body was not opened until 1668. Years later, in 1730, Master Churriguera finished the work on the main front. Inside the cathedral, the great chapel houses a magnificent reredos made by Juan de Juni in 1562. From the complex you can get into the Diocesan Museum, in which the outstanding features are various carvings attributed to Gregorio Fernández and to Juni himself, as well as a silver monstrance by Juan de Arfe.

Other interesting churches are the Gothic church of Santiago, with an important reredos depicting the Adoration of the Magi, created by Berruguete in 1537, and the church of Santa María la Antigua, with its unusual pyramid-shaped Romanesque tower.

The 16th-century Plaza Mayor, presided over by a statue of Count Ansúrez, is right in the heart of the city. On one side of it stands the City Hall, a building from the beginning of the century crowned by the clock tower. In the nearby streets are many large houses and palaces. The Palace of Los Pimentel, today the seat of the Provincial Council, is one of the most important, as King Philip II was born in it on 21 May 1527. The 16th-century Palace of the Marquises of Valverde, and that of the banker Fabio Nelli - a building with a Classicist stamp built in 1576 - should also be pointed out. The Museum of Valladolid occupies this complex, exhibiting a collection of furniture, sculptures, paintings and ceramic pieces.

The University, whose Baroque façade is decorated with various academic symbols, and the Santa Cruz College, which as well as housing a valuable library forms one of the first examples of the Spanish Renaissance, say much about the cultural importance of Valladolid.

The city preserves houses where great historical characters once lived, like the Casa de Cervantes, where the author of Quijote lived with his family between 1603 and 1606. As a curiosity, it was in this house where the writer gave his masterpiece the finishing touches. A visit to the house-museum enables you to get to know the way of life of a noble family in the 17th century through possessions and furniture from the time. You can also visit the Christopher Columbus House-Museum, where the navigator spend the last years of his life. Nowadays the palace exhibits various pieces and documents related to the discovery of America.

From nineteenth century Valladolid, the house where one of the provincial capital's most illustrious characters - José Zorrilla - was born is preserved. The house, which is open to the public, brings together various personal possessions, furniture and documents that belonged to the Romantic writer.

Hotels

Derby
Loreto, 21-25
08029 Barcelona
     



The best description of the Derby is to say that it is in the eye of a business hurricane. Situated in the heart of the business and office district, only 5 minutes away from Barcelona´s fairgrounds and with direct access to the airport; the Derby enjoys the most tranquillity. This classic example of Barcelona hotel service, with its recently renovated building, is located on a suprisingly quiet street, away from the urban din..

Abba Madrid
Avda. de América, 32
28028 Madrid

     



The abba Madrid is a brand new Hotel, built in 2003, with a modern, cosy and very comfortable decoration. In the main areas it dominates the grey marble combinated to elegant two coloured parquet. The illumination is soft and adapted to provide a nice and warm atmosphere..

Eurostars Gaudí
Consell de Cent, 498 - 500
08013 Barcelona
     



Eurostars Gaudi is a 4* superior Hotel newly-built, in june 2005. It is located only 5 minutes walking from Sagrada Familia (built and designed by the famous architect Antonio Gaudi, which name takes the establishment). Each of 45 guest rooms are tasteful and very well equipped in order to offer a great stay and comfortable facilities. Located at Eixample district, you will have an excellent network of public transport to the city's most important areas at your disposal. .

Golf courses

Club de Golf Costa Ballena
Carretera El Puerto de Santa María - Chipiona, km 5
11520 Rota (Cádiz)
Tel. +34 956847070 / Fax +34 956847050

holes: 18
par: 72


José María Olazábal was the brains behind the design of this 27-hole course situated on the coast of the province of Cadiz, covering an area of more than 400 hectares and belonging to two different municipalities, Rota and Chipiona. It is a course with wide and very versatile tees and so the game can be enjoyed by both professional players and those with a lower level of golf. The round is comfortable and there is plenty of water.

The par-3 16th is particularly worth a mention as the green is surrounded by a lake. The course at Costa Ballena is considered to be one of the best courses in Spain, and there is also a prestigious golf school, a 9-hole course and a high-performance centre for professional players. It is situated 5 km from El Puerto de Santa María on the road to Rota.
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Monte Mayor Golf Club
Carretera N-340, Km. 165,60 (Cancelada)
Avenida de Monte Mayor
29679 Benahavís (Málaga)
Tel. +34 952937111 / Fax: +34 952937112

holes: 18
par: 71


Nestling in the mountains of Benahavis Monte Mayor is one of Andalucia's most spectacular Golf Courses. Designed by Jose Gancedo, it is a challenging proposition but, the quality of the Greens, the natural beauty of the situation and its quietness, will make your round of golf unforgetable. The buggy is automatically included in your green fee..