visitador, royally appointed official sent periodically in the late Middle Ages to investigate the administration of justice in the towns of the Spanish Kingdom of Castile. In the late 15th century, the visitadores were also enjoined to inspect the other aspects of civic administration, including finances and the state of repair of roads and bridges.
The institution of the visita (“inspection”) was applied also to the Spanish colonies in the Americas. The visitador reported to the Council of the Indies (colonial office) in Madrid. Visitas were to be initiated without warning; they might concern only one official or province or an entire principal colonial jurisdiction (a viceroyalty or captaincy general), in which case the inspector was called a visitador general. Nonroyal appointees were investigated by inspectors appointed by the viceroy or president (chief colonial officials) with the collaboration of the audiencia (the administrative and judicial tribunal within their jurisdictions).
King Philip II of Spain (1556–98) made the visita a regular feature of colonial government. Visitas were usually initiated when complaints against specific colonial officials were lodged with the government in Madrid. The Council of the Indies might order a further investigation if one of the involved parties challenged the original report of the visitador. The visita (1765–71) of José Gálvez, appointed by Charles III, in New Spain resulted in widespread reforms throughout the Spanish-American colonies. Unlike many visitadores, Gálvez forcefully and honestly executed his royal commission even in the face of strong opposition by colonial officials with vested interests, including the viceroy, who was replaced at Gálvez’ suggestion.