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The Burgos Cathedral is a monumental Gothic church in Castile renowned for its architecture, chapels and historic significance.
The UNESCO World Heritage List includes over a thousand properties. They have outstanding universal value and are all part of the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
Official facts
- Official title: Burgos Cathedral
- Country: Spain
- Date of Inscription: 1984
- Category: Cultural
UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre’s short description of site no. 316:
Our Lady of Burgos was begun in the 13th century at the same time as the great cathedrals of the Ile-de-France and was completed in the 15th and 16th centuries. The entire history of Gothic art is summed up in its superb architecture and its unique collection of works of art, including paintings, choir stalls, reredos, tombs and stained-glass windows.
More about the cathedral
The short description above is a bit too short, so we need some more facts. Here's an attempt.
Rising above the historic centre of Burgos, the Cathedral of Santa María is one of Spain’s great Gothic masterpieces and among the country’s most celebrated religious monuments. Construction began in 1221, inspired by the great cathedrals of northern France, and continued over several centuries. The result is an extraordinary blend of Gothic architecture. It is enriched with Renaissance chapels, elaborate ornamentation and later additions that together reflect the evolving artistic history of Spain.
The cathedral became closely associated with the Kingdom of Castile during the Middle Ages. Burgos stood as an important political, religious and commercial centre along the routes crossing northern Spain. Pilgrims travelling the Camino de Santiago passed through the city, contributing to its wealth and influence. Inside the cathedral lie the tombs of the legendary military leader El Cid and his wife Doña Jimena. This further strengthened the building’s place in Spanish national history.
Burgos Cathedral is particularly admired for its soaring spires, delicate stone tracery and richly decorated interior spaces. The lantern dome above the crossing, the ornate Chapel of the Constables and the monumental Golden Staircase are among its most celebrated features. Despite its enormous scale and artistic richness, the cathedral remains deeply integrated into the everyday life of the city. It is dominating plazas, streets and viewpoints throughout Burgos.
My visit to the Burgos Cathedral
I was on a road trip in the north of Spain with an aim to connect important towns with World Heritage sites. Burgos was a slight detour on my trip from Bilbao to Zaragoza. Judging from images on the Internet, the usual suspects of travel advice, as well as time available, there was no doubt. I just had to go to Burgos.
Afterwards, my only resentment was I hadn't allowed more time in the town of Burgos itself. It looked like a very nice place, and would have deserved more. Well, that's how it is - always.
In any case, I drove into Burgos and found a place to park my car near the cathedral. It couldn't have been better. The approach across the elegant St. Mary's Bridge (Puente Santa María) with the monumental Arco de Santa María straight ahead couldn't be better.
The arch works as the gateway to the cathedral. Originally it was one of the twelve gates of the city during the Middle Ages. In the 16th century it was rebuilt by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. The facade has statues of real or legendary people of importance to the city of Burgos and to Castile.
After walking through the gate we enter the very open Plaza Rey San Fernando and stop in awe at the sight of the huge cathedral right in front. I won't go into details about the church, just browse my pictures above. In short I bought a ticket and went inside.
I'd like to add that Burgos is at the heart of the Camino Francés. This is the most walked of all Camino de Santiago routes. I noticed several hikers inside and outside the Burgos cathedral.
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Find more articles from Spain on Sandalsand. Finally, where is this cathedral? Zoom in on Sandalsand's map from this road trip in the north of Spain.
