Valladolid is a small city in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. Valladolid is in the inland eastern part of the state at 20.67°N 88.20°W. In 2003 the estimated population was about 38,000 people.

History

Named after the then capital of Spain Valladolid, the first Valladolid, Yucatán was established by Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Montejo on 28 May 1543 at some distance from the current town at a lagoon named Chouac-Ha. Early Spanish settlers complained about the mosquitos and humidity at that location, and petitioned to have Valladolid moved further inland. On 24 March 1545, Valladolid was relocated to its current location, built atop a Maya town called Zaci or Zaci- Val, whose buildings were dismantled to reuse the stones to build the Spanish Colonial town. The following year the Maya people revolted, which was put down with additional Spanish troops coming from Mérida.

Valladolid was long the third city of the Yucatán Peninsula (after Mérida and Campeche) in size and importance until the start of the 20th century. It had a sizable well-to-do Creole population, with a number of old Spanish style mansions in the old city. Valladolid was nicknamed The Sultaness of the East.

In 1840 the city had some 15,000 people. Valladolid and the surrounding region was the scene of intense battle during Yucatán's Caste War, and the Ladino forces were forced to abandon the city on 14 March 1848, with half being killed by ambush before they reached Mérida. Valladolid was sacked by the Maya rebels; it was recaptured later in the war.

Sights

Notable sights in Valladolid are the Colonial era Cathedral and the Convent of San Bernadino, and Cenote Zaci, a landscaped natural well with a restaurant.

External links

• Valladolid on LocoGringo.com (http://www.locogringo.com/past_spotlights/jan2002.cfm)
• Valladolid on yucatantoday.com (http://www.yucatantoday.com/destinations/eng-valladolid.htm)