Places in Spain- Burgos
A prosperous city
Burgos is a very prosperous and ultra-conservative city situated on the Saint Jeremiah Road and is famous for one of the biggest Gothic cathedrals in Spain; it is worth visiting even for this reason: the cathedral is outstanding.
The city, situated in the arid meseta, also has other jewels: the Gothic Monasteries, Las Huelgas and Miraflores, and the phantom of the hero and mercenary El Cid whose legendary acts brought about his death at the hands of the Moors in 1099. In 1921, his body was brought from San Pedro de Cardena so that he could be buried inside the cathedral.
All about Burgos
Burgos lies on both sides of the Arlanza river, but the old city, full of the atmosphere of the past, is situated on the north side; tourists can visit this part of the city on foot. The entire view of the city is dominated by the lacy towers of the cathedral whose construction began in 1221 and extended for more than five centuries is credited to some of the most valuable Spanish artisans.
The audiofons, which tourists can rent, are very useful in order to understand the complexity of the cathedral. The third in size, after the cathedrals in Sevilla and Toledo, the cathedral in Burgos represents an overwhelming manifestation of Gothic flamboyant art, with the choir stalls sculptured in Renaissance style, with Baroque wrought iron, and despite the considerable robberies by Napoleon’s troups in 1809, a rich thesaurus. The thesaurus is kept in the sacristy, Capilla de Santa Catalina, dating back to the 14th century.
The sacristy has a very beautiful Mudejar-style ceiling. Each of the lateral chapels represents a work of art. In the Capilla de Condestable, conceived by Simon de Cologne in 1482, be sure to see the star shaped dome, the walls and the massively sculptured altar and the grave belonging to Condestable and his wife. Capilla de Santa Ana is also extremely beautiful, with a massive Gothic altar showing scenes from the saint’s life.
Accommodtion
Burgos is the Spanish city showing one of the most spectacular architectural masterpieces in the country; so if you visit Spain, try to spend some of your free time here. Regarding accommodation, choose one of the many villas at your disposal. You won’t regret it! They are wonderful places for tourists: private, nicely decorated, and very comfortable.