Once capital of the kingdom of Castille, this ancient city is perfect for relaxing after a day’s walking. These are the top sites to explore in Burgos.
World Heritage Sites
The first thing we’ll share with you are three places declared World Heritage Sites, which are the Cathedral, the Camino de Santiago and the archaeological sites of the Sierra de Atapuerca. The Camino traverses through the city and the archaeological sites are located 17 km from it, so if you are only going to be in Burgos for one day, you should visit the Cathedral, which is one of the best Gothic representations in Europe. Of course, if you want to know even more about the sites, the city has a very informative Museum of Human Evolution.
Museum of Human Evolution
The Museum is located on the south bank of the river Arlanzón. It was opened in 2010 and is the most visited museum in Castille.
Arco de Santa María
Without leaving the Cathedral, right in the Plaza del Rey San Fernando we find another emblem of the city: the Arco de Santa María, one of the old twelve doors that gave access to the city in the Middle Ages. Built during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, it was remodelled during the sixteenth century to become what it is today. Today, it is an important cultural centre.
Monastery of Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas
On our tour of places to see in Burgos, don’t miss out on visiting the Monastery of Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas, founded at the end of the seventh century. This building has a chapter hall, carvings, altarpieces, tapestries and an indoor patio that is a true wonder.
The Castle of Burgos
The Castle of Burgos is another place that must be visited when you arrive to the Castilian capital. Located on San Miguel hill and built in 884, today only the remains of what it was can be seen, since the various wars it has experienced throughout its more than 1130 years of history (especially the French invasions) have left clear scars to its structure.
Arco de San Juan and the Arco de San Martin
Another two places to see in Burgos, not so much for its aesthetic beauty but for its significance to the Camino, are the Arco de San Juan and the Arco de San Martin. The first, now very remodelled, is part of the gate through which the pilgrims accessed the centre of the city through the wall; the second, constructed in the fourteenth century in the Mudejar style, was the exit gate for pilgrims who were on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
Paseo del Espolón
Now, as far as green spaces are concerned, Burgos, has the Paseo del Espolón, a tree-lined promenade where the branches of the trees seem to intertwine themselves over our heads. It is located in the centre of the city and is framed by a series of beautiful buildings from different eras.
Parque de la Isla
In addition to this passageway, the city also has the Parque Isla, an almost kilometre long park that runs along the banks of the River Arlanzón and has a fountain with a waterfall made from stalactites and stalagmites from the Atapuerca cave.
Burgos’ Main Plaza
The last place to see in Burgos is its main square, a beautiful plaza in the centre of the city located just 100 meters from the statue of El Cid, one of the great Castilian heroes.
Shamrocks & Shells 