VALLADOLID

Valladolid is known as the Pearl of the East, and is one of Yucatan’s most important cities second only to Merida.  It was founded in 1543 by Francisco de Montejo "The Nephew" and was originally inhabited by the Cupules at a site known as Chauac Ha, part of a Mayan chieftainship. Upon arrival of the Spaniards, the land was divided into parcels and the city was placed under the patronage of Our Lady of Remedies and the patronage of St. Servatius.

Due to disease, mainly yellow-fever, the city moved to the ruins of the Mayan settlement of Zaci, which in Mayan language means "white hawk". During the nineteenth century it became important because in it the first factory of threads and textiles of Mexico was established, which would be the great ancestor of the maquiladoras (shredders) in the country.

Valladolid holds the title of "Heroic City" because in it two major historical events took place:  "The Caste  War" of Yucatan (1847 - 1901)  which began with the revolt of the native Maya people against the population of European descent, called Yucatec's, who held political and economic control of the region: and "The first spark of the Mexican Revolution” in 1910; a movement that sparked in November of the same year by the name of the Valladolid Plan or Plan Dzelkoop initiated against the dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz.

Valladolid is part of the Magical Towns of Mexico Program and is known traditionally as "The Capital of the Maya east" a fair title given for the beauty of its colonial buildings. Valladolid is above all a magnificent colonial city full of magic and color. 

CONVENT OF SAN BERNARDINO

Among its most notable building in the city is the former Convent of San Bernardino of Siena, formerly the village center of the Sisal and where the Franciscans built an imposing convent between 1552 and 1560.  The building’s exterior highlights a series of battlements that crown the walls, and the long arches recall the medieval fortresses; in its interior there is a remarkable baroque altarpiece.  In the garden on top of the Cenote Sis-Ha there is a well consisting of two large geared wheels from which pre-Hispanic and colonial pieces have been retrieved and are on display in the same convent.

ROADWAY  OF THE MONKS

The Avenue the Franciscan Friars used to communicate with the center of town, is today a street that offers beautiful views with colonial houses, boutiques, hotels, museums, gardens and fountains.

Valladolid is a city of great touristic attraction for its colonial bearing, and its renowned and privileged gastronomy. Undoubtedly, Valladolid is the ideal place to meet and enjoy all the natural, archaeological and cultural riches of eastern Yucatan, as well as its majestic historic buildings; it is full of traditions, crafts, and gastronomic richness.

CENOTES

In addition to its impressive houses and neighborhoods, this beautiful town offers all visitors the chance to meet some of the most famous cenotes throughout the state: the Xkeken, the Sambulá and Zací.

If there is a place in Yucatan which is renowned for its beautiful cityscape, its magnificent architecture, its history, its natural attractions, preservation of its customs, superb cuisine, and the friendliness of its people, it is Valladolid .