The origins of Medina del Campo (Valladolid) date back to ancient times; however, it reached its peak between the 15th and 16th centuries. It was one of the main commercial and financial centers of the Crown of Castile. The fairs attracted large numbers of people interested in trading goods, exchanging currency, and engaging in other credit-related activities. Some of the most significant events in the history of the Castilian monarchy took place in this town, particularly during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, such as the death of Isabella I of Castile in 1504. Medina del Campo boasts a rich and extensive cultural heritage, highlighted by the Castillo de la Mota, the Collegiate Church of San Antolín, the Palacio Real Testamentario, the Palacio de los Dueñas, the Hospital de Simón Ruiz, and the Plaza Mayor, among others.
Bibliography
GARCIA CHICO, Esteban (1961): Catálogo monumental de la provincia de Valladolid. Medina del Campo, vol. III, Diputación Provincial de Valladolid, Valladolid.
MOYANO, Antero (1891): Guía del viajero en Medina del Campo, Imprenta de Pablo F. Álvarez, Medina del Campo.
ROJO VEGA, Anastasio (2004): Guía de mercaderes y mercaderías en las ferias de Medina del Campo: siglo XVI, Fundación Museo de las Ferias con la colaboración de la Diputación de Valladolid, Medina del campo.
VALDEÓN BARUQUE, Julio (2004): "Medina del Campo y sus ferias", en Comercio, mercado y economía en tiempos de la Reina Isabel, Museo de las Ferias, Medina del Campo.