Places of Interest in Castilla-León -
Burgos

The history of the city of Burgos dates back to the 10th century. It is situated over an area where the northern section of the Meseta meets the foothills of the Sistema Ibérico, and was founded by Count Diego Rodríguez Porcelos, by order of the Asturian king Alfonso III el Magno.

The Burgos Cathedral, a declared heritage site, presents one of the best examples of 13th century gothic art. Findings at Los Yacimientos de la Sierra de Atapuerca provide evidence of the oldest human presence in Europe: the Homo Antecesor, dated a million years ago.

Burgos enjoys a privileged geographical position being located half way between Madrid and the French border, with close links to cities such as Santander, Bilboa, Logroño and Valladolid. It is distinguished by the contrast that exists between the landscape and the climate, which is due to the vastness of its area, and is therefore a place of considerable geographical variation.

Before the Romans definitively stamped their mark on history in the territory of Burgos, there were already signs of life from prehistoric man in the area, as has been highlighted in the important discoveries made in Ojo Guareña and Atapuerca, just a few kilometres from the city, where an important archaeological site is being safeguarded for the study of human evolution.

Perhaps the best introduction to the city is the Arco de Santa María which was dedicated to Carlos V in the 15th century, and which served as the gateway of the walls which surrounded the city.

The Mudejar arch of San Martín was erected in the 15th century and was used as the entrance for royal visitors. In 1221, Fernando III el Santo and his wife, began the construcion of the Cathedral; the first Gothic style cathedral in Spain, and one of the most important monuments in art history. The interior of the cathedral is impressive, as are each of its facades.

A series of beautiful churches contributed to the great monumental wealth of Burgos. The Iglesia de San Esteban for example with its facade and rose window, and cloister in purest Gothic style; The Iglesia de San Gil which contains outstanding altarpieces, paintings and sculptures; The Baroque style Iglesia de San Lorenzo which was erected in the 17th century, and the Iglesia de San Cosme y San Damían whose main facade recalls the most significant period in the sculptural history of Burgos.

In terms of civil architecture, the Casa del Cordón, which is the most impressive Burgolese palace constructed at the end of the 15th century, should be visited. Its importance is rooted in the exquisite ornamentation of its facades. The Hospital de la Concepción is also worthy of a visit. It is a Renaissance building with a sumptuous facade and served as a shelter for travellers since its construction in the 16th century.

On the outskirts of Burgos you can find the Monasterio de Silos, San Pedro de Cardeña, the Monasterio de Rodila and Cartuja de Miraflores with its Gothic church, altarpieces, magnificent choir stall and tombs by Gil de Siloé.

Burgos has retained its great traditional fiestas. On 30th January the fiesta de San Lesmes, patron of the city, is celebrated. Traditionally on this day the Saint's panecillos (bread rolls) are shared out.