Burgos
We are not just a museum, you have an entire city to know.
Land of the Cid Campeador
Art, history and prehistory, green zones, gastronomy.... Burgos has enough things to see and do for you to spend several days discovering its treasures. The epic legend of El Cid is an important part of the rich historical heritage of Burgos and is ingrained in the city itself, which is crossed every day by pilgrims in search of the Apostle Saint James.
The impressive spires of the Burgos Cathedral can be seen from any part of the city. This cathedral, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, is one of the best examples of Gothic Architecture in Europe. Very near the Cathedral lies Saint Mary's Arch, whose facade contains sculptures of the most important players in the city's history. Also near are the churches of Saint Nicolas of Bari, Saint Gil, and Saint Stephen.
Your visit to Burgos would not be complete without having walked along the emblematic Paseo del Espolón, home of the elegantly-designed Burgos Playhouse.
Another important stop when visiting Burgos is the Casa del Cordón (Cordón House), built at the end of the fifteenth century. This house was Philip I of Castile's place of death and was where one of the first human rights declarations was conceived. Said declaration was issued by Friar Franscisco de Vitoria to protect the indigenous population in the Americas.
If you want to get a full view of the city, you can go up to the Castle Lookout Point. The Burgos Castle is where the city's earliest origins first took hold. From this lookout point, you're able to enjoy the views while contemplating Burgos' historic, artistic, and natural heritages.
In the southern part of the city, you'll find the majestic Monastery of Santa María la real de las Huelgas, which houses one of the most interesting collections of medieval cloth-work in all of Europe. Constructed by King Alfonso VIII of Castile, its architecture mixes Christian and Muslim styles.
The Cartuja Church is set deep inside a tuft of forest located just three kilometers (approx. two miles) from Burgos. This church, which in reality is a fifteenth-century monastery, shines like a true gem as an exemplary piece of late Gothic Architecture in Burgos. A bit further down the road (10 km, approx. 6 miles), we can find the San Pedro de Cardeña Monastery, a building of great beauty.
Despite its rich historical heritage, we mustn't forget that Burgos is also a city with new, modern initiatives in mind. Events like the Open Stage Festival, the Titirimundi Puppet Festival, International Guitar Week, the International Folklore Festival, the Castilian Folk Festival, the Traditional Dance Festival, the Street Theater Festival, the National Choir Contest, White Night, etc. make Burgos a dynamic and forward-facing city.