Ayuntamiento de Valladolid

In the present context of globalisation of the economy and of exchanges, the international positioning of a city is a veritable challenge. International, bilateral or multilateral actions have different objectives. On the one hand they serve to facilitate the exchanges and projects which enrich the daily management of Valladolid and on the other hand they contribute to the debate in favour of the process of European construction. Since 1971, the United Nations has agreed to foment the twinning of cities which has been conceived of as a mechanism of cooperation Twinning and collaboration are extremely useful tools. They are instruments of mutual learning and not only at a European level. They teach us that many urban problems are common to any city in the world and so it is very useful to find out about and exchange ideas on other management styles. In this way, the cities participate in international relations by promoting dialogue and harmonious development by means of cooperation and communication between the local entities of different countries.
The Convent of the Decalzas Reales in Valladolid still has in its possession a valuable picture collection by Florentine artists, donated by Dña. Margarita de Austria, wife of Philip III and which was originally sent to her from Florence by Cosme II of Medici. The restauration project related to this collection, implemented by the Fundación Patrimonio Histórico de Castilla y León, is showcased at the Valladolid panel exhibited at the present Salone dell’Arte e del Restauro di Firenze as a fundamental element which brings the art and history of Valladolid and Florence together in a very special way. Worth mentioning is also the invitation Valladolid accepted to participate last November 2008 in a “flavour twinning” at Orsanmichele in the inauguration of Wine&FashionFlorence, thus bringing the wines and gastronomy of our province to the Florentine public. But -let us say- this is just but another example of the many instances and strong potential of cultural, social, business, institutional cooperation and exchange which Valladolid and of Florence must strive to make the most of.

mail - web