About the Institution
Although no documentary evidence remains to provide official proof, the University of Valladolid is probably the most senior of Spanish universities. Its origin is closely linked to the General Studio of Palencia and it emerged, as did other medieval universities, as a result of urban growth, Council interest, the facilities of the Collegiate chapter, the predilection of monarchs and, in particular, the unparalleled natural conditions of the city regarding trade and communications. What is beyond doubt is that the University of Valladolid was a well organised university from the very outset, since, as early as 1293, Sancho IV created the General Studio of Alcalá based on the model studio that had been established years earlier in Valladolid.