Vaccaean and Roman City of Pintia

In Padilla de Duero, a hamlet of Peñafiel about 5 km from the town, is the Pintia Archaeological Zone, a city of the Vaccaei, the pre-Roman people of the Duero valley, later occupied by Rome. It is studied and shown by the Federico Wattenberg Centre for Vaccaean Studies, of the University of Valladolid, which has its seat in the Plaza Mayor of Padilla. It is a visit for anyone curious about history who wants to see real, unreconstructed archaeology.

What you see on the visit

The visit is guided and organised by the centre itself. It begins at the Padilla headquarters, with a short introduction and a broad display of some of the most interesting pieces from the excavations. Then you go to the Las Ruedas necropolis, the city's cemetery and the most important part of the site. The guided visit does not include the wall area or the city's archaeological pits, but access to them is free, so you can explore them on your own afterwards. According to the centre, the visit lasts at least 90 minutes, although it can be cut to an hour if needed; they recommend the full version. The explanations are normally in Spanish.

In June, July and August the visits usually coincide with the excavation season, and then you see the archaeologists at work and how an excavation is done. The Peñafiel Town Council also points out that important evidence of wine consumption among the Vaccaei has appeared at Pintia.

How to book and how much it costs

Visits are by arrangement, every day, for groups of at least five adults or paying the equivalent price. You must book at least four days ahead on 983 881 240, from 10:00 to 14:00 or from 17:00 to 20:00, or by email at [email protected]. According to the November 2026 leaflet of the Valladolid Tourist Office, admission costs €10, and €8 for groups of more than 20 people. The centre's own visits page gives still lower rates, €7 for adults and €2 for ages 7 to 12, so confirm the price when booking. The tourist leaflet warns that the hours may change depending on the weather.

Getting there and what to combine

Padilla de Duero is between Peñafiel and Valladolid, about 5 km from the town: the practical way is to go by car. After the visit, the site is close to the Monastery of Santa María de Valbuena, in the same direction, and back in Peñafiel you can go up to the castle and Provincial Wine Museum to close the day with the wine of the Ribera. It suits teenagers interested in history; with small children, bear in mind that much of it is outdoors and on your feet. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and a cap in summer.