Valladolid - Santa María La Antigua

In the 8th century, Arab-Moorish armies advanced into the north of the Iberian Peninsula, but as early as the 10th century the area was temporarily reconquered by the Christians (Reconquista). In the late 11th century, Count Pedro Ansúrez made the largely depopulated city his residence, expanded it, and promoted its repopulation (repoblación), which is why he is often considered the actual founder of the city. The University of Valladolid was founded in 1241 by Alfonso VIII of Castille. It is one of the oldest universities in the world.

In the 15th century, it became the capital of the Kingdom of Castile until Philip II moved the center of power to the newly built monastery residence Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial near Madrid in 1561. In 1561 most of the city burned down but was rebuilt under Philip II.
The church was likely founded in 1095 by Count Pedro Ansúrez, although there are no remains of this original structure. It was erected at that time on the ruins of a Roman building. The oldest parts of the current church date to the late 12th century. The tower has four floors, the upper three featuring windows, and a pyramidal top. The naves and sanctuary of the church were rebuilt in the 14th century in Gothic style.

Due to poor design and construction and the increasing size of the parish population, the building underwent successive additions and reparations. In the mid-16th century, the collapsing building was restored by adding buttresses.

The oldest parts of the current church like the Romanesque gallery in the northern side date to the late 12th century.