Valladolid

Valladolid is a city in northwestern Spain that often gets overlooked by travelers heading to more famous destinations like Madrid or Barcelona. But this historic city has a lot to offer, with its beautiful Plaza Mayor, impressive cathedral, and rich cultural heritage.

The city was once the capital of Spain, back in the early 1600s, and you can still feel this royal history as you walk through its streets. The National Sculpture Museum is housed in an amazing 15th-century building and contains some truly remarkable religious art pieces that showcase Spain's artistic heritage.

Valladolid is also known for its connection to famous Spanish literary figure Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote. Several scenes in his works were set here, and literary fans will enjoy exploring this connection.

The local food scene is fantastic, with the city being part of one of Spain's major wine regions. The local restaurants serve excellent Castilian cuisine, with specialties like roast lamb and pincho de lechazo that are worth trying.

The city really comes alive during its festivals, especially Semana Santa (Holy Week), which features some of the most impressive religious processions in Spain. If you're looking for a place that shows you the real Spain beyond the usual tourist spots, Valladolid definitely deserves your attention.