Burgos

Burgos is a monumental town 215 km north of Madrid. It has a pleasant atmosphere and numerous interesting monuments. Burgos' old center has been perfectly preserved and it was the birthplace of Spain's national hero 'El Cid'. Generally the town is quiet and clean and after you have been sightseeing, you should have a walk in one of the city's lovely parks.

Burgos was founded in 884 and its historical heritage is always evident to the visitor. The town is dominated by the Gothic cathedral, but there are many more important monuments.

The Gothic cathedral dates from the 13th century and can be visited daily between 9.30 a.m. and 1 p.m., as well as between 4 and 7 p.m. The building is amongst the most admired of its kind worldwide. Of special interest are the Cloister and the church's portal, the Puerta del Sarmental, which is considered the best example of gothic sculpture of the 13th century. The 15th-century Capilla del Condestable is another work of unique architectonic value.

The Monasterio de las Huelgas can be visited daily, except on Mondays. The monastery has a Gothic chapterhouse of unique value, as well as a Romanesque cloister. It was founded by Alfonso VIII in 1187 and it is one of the most significant monuments in Spain. Alfonso's tomb, as well as those of other Spanish royals can be seen inside.

This palace is an outstanding example of civil-architecture. It has a beautifully decorated portal.

The Cartuja de Miraflores holds the tombs of Juan II and Doña Maria. The 15th-century church is open daily from 10.15 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Iglesia Nuestra Señora La Antigua de Gamonal dates from the 14th century. it is a Gothic church with a 'Mudéjar'-portal.
The Iglesia de San Esteban was built in the 13th century in Gothic style. Nearby is the Arco de San Esteban, a 12th-century Arabian arch.
The 14th-century Iglesia de San Gil is another example of Gothic architecture. In its interior there are the chapels of Los Castros and Los Encinas, which hold tombs of high artistic value.
The Iglesia de San Lesmes was constructed over a period in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. It contains the tomb of the Burgos' patron.
The Iglesia de San Nicolas is especially interesting for its 16th-century Gothic-Renaissance altar, a work of San Francisco de Colonia.

The 16th-century Puerta de Santa Maria originally served as entrance-gate to the city. The adjacent Arabian-style Torre de Santa Maria

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4.45 to 7.15 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. on Sundays it is closed. It houses an interesting collection of ancient artifacts.

City Walls

The old city walls of Burgos are also worth a visit. They are especially well-preserved around the Puerta de San Esteban and the Paseo de los Cubos.

Other

Burgos offers a wide range of accommodation. The city is one of the most interesting places in Castilla y León. There are also many historic villages around Burgos.