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 Spanish city of Valladolid (32,000 population), capital of the Castilla y León Region is presently twinned with Morelia (Mexico), Lille (France), Orlando (USA), Florence (Italy) and Lecce (Italy). These agreements are of incalculable value, because not only are local leaders in contact but also entire communities. On January 24th 2007, the cities of Valladolid and Florence expressed a desire to tighten the bond of friendship between them and to get to know each other better. With this intention in mind, both cities expressed their desire to increase relations within a framework of cooperation which will develop the areas of urban planning, the environment, social welfare, education, culture, language, economic development and cooperation in business, food and wine, sport, commercial exchange, tourism and anything else of mutual interest. There are many reasons why these two cities should combine forces. Apart from certain common socio-political characteristics, it is under the monarchy of the House of Austria when Valladolid and Florence tighten their bonds of friendship. The city of the Medici kept up an excellent relationship with some of the Spanish monarchs. For example, it was Charles V who reinstated the Florentine Duchy to the Medici in 1530. A consequence of these good relations was that in 1535, Cosme I of Medici, Great Duke of Florence, married a young Spanish Lady, Dña. Leonor Álvarez de Toledo y Pimentel-Osorio. Two monarchs who were very closely linked to Valladolid, Philip II and Philip III, were also important in the history of the Florentine Duchy. In fact, 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.

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