The slender towers of the cathedral are the first thing that catches our eye when we enter the city. In the past, Burgos played a key role in the Reconquest as the centre and head of the region of Castile founded by Fernán González, and as the capital of the kingdom of Castile and Leon. Its location, right in the middle of the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de Compostela, meant a growing economic development as well as its military importance. Nowadays, it preserves a magnificent monumental and artistic legacy that can be considered to be one of the most valuable on the Peninsula. The abundance of pedestrian streets and green areas make it an ideal place to walk and allow yourself to be surprised by the history of its monuments.

The leading monument in Burgos is its Cathedral (Plaza Santa María - 09003 Burgos, Tel: 947.20.47.12), a World Heritage site and one of the gems of universal Gothic. Started in 1221, its three naves, ambulatory and doorways of Sarmental and Coronería date from this century, whereas the cloister and old chapter house date back to the 14th century, the capitals of Juan de Colonia, Visitación, Santa Ana and above all Condestable chapels to the 15th. The magnificent dome base is the work of Juan de Vallejo and dates from the 16th century, as do Consolación, Santiago and Natividad chapels, plus the golden staircase designed by Diego de Siloé. An in-depth visit will reveal the display of art on show and the anecdotal detail of the Papamoscas. Under the dome base, the remains of Cid Campeador, the legendary hero of Burgos. The Gothic churches of Santa Agueda (c/ Santa Agueda - O9003 Burgos, Tel: 947.20.67.55) , where el Cid swore the historic oath to Alonso VI; San Esteban, San Gil, San Lesmes, (09004 Burgos, Tel: 947.20.43.80), San Nicolás de Bari (c/ Fernán González - 09005 Burgos, Tel: 947.20.70.95), with the stone altarpiece by Francisco de Colonia, and Nuestra Señora la Real y Antigua by Gamonal are all worthy of note. Huelgas Monastery, (c/ Alfonso VIII, Tel: 947.20.16.30), founded by Alfonso VIII, royal pantheon and one of the most powerful in Castile, besides its architectural and artistic beauty, has a museum with rich medieval fabrics. The ex Monastery of San Juan houses the Marceliano Santamaría Museum in the high cloister ( Marceliano Santamaría being the Burgos artist who painted the Castilian landscape with great mastery).

Fuente: www.tourspain.es