Burgos Cathedral
Burgos Cathedral is located in the city of Burgos, in the region of Castilla Leon. The building that we see today stands on site of
City guides
Burgos city guide
Make Burgos the right way!
Many times over-looked by tourists on many occasions. Burgos is a historical city which makes for a perfect stop on your way to the North if you drive from Madrid, or to the South if you drive from the Basque country (the city is located half-way from Madrid to Bilbao or San Sebastian). An amazing cathedral and some exceptionalñly beautiful monasteries, a museum of human history that is the show-case for the Unesco site of Atapuerca (25 km drive from Burgos), the best blood pudding in the world, excellent wines from Ribera del Duero…. Discover in this Burgos city guide why this small city in Castilla Leon deserves your attention.
Burgos city guide - Table of Contents
Practical information to plan your visit to burgos
5 top reasons to visit Burgos
The Cathedral. The silluette of the Cathedral can be seen from the distance while drivers approach Burgos from the Meseta. The Cathedral is without a doubt Burgos´landmark, and one of the most beautiful cathedrals not only in Spain but in Europe.
Atapuerca. In search of our ancestors. One of the most important archeological sites in the world. Atapuerca is located north-east of Burgos, 25 minutes drive from the city. Designated in 2000 a Unesco heritage site and Site of Outstanding universal value (declaration made in 2015). IN one of its caves, more than 30 bodies have been found, and this cave is one of the best examples in the world of a prehistorical colony . The museum of human evolution in Burgos has been built thanks to the material obtained at Atapuerca
Plaza Mayor and bar hooping. Burgos is a city that accommodates itself with no problem to the idea of slow-travel. Its beautiful Plaza Mayor,a walk next the river Arlazón… and its many bars. Burgos is best known in Spain for the quality of local blood pudding. You should remove any mental barriers and try it. Simply delicious!
The route of the Cid – El Cid (Ruy Rodrigo de Vivar) was born near Burgos in 1043 AC. El Cid is a legend and a symbol of the Reconquista against the Moors. The epic poem El Cantar del Mio Cid played a key role in the perception of the Cid. The way of El Cid is a route in Spain that follows the steps of El Cid. This route covers some beautiful villages near Burgos like Covarrubias, San Esteban de Gormaz or el Burgos de Osma.
Monasteries. Santa María la Real de las huelgas is a beautiful monastery built by Alfonso VIII as a pantheon for her wife, Doña Leonor. It was also used as a retreat for ladies of high social classes. Other monasteries include la Cartuja de Miraflores. Or San Pedro de Cardena. They are all a great example of how life was in the middle ages.
Best time to visit Burgos
Unless there is a local event, Burgos is not too busy on weekends so, any day of the week is a good option though many restaurants will be closed on Monday.
Our favorite months to enjoy Burgos are April, May, June, September and October
Weather in Burgos
Due to its altitude (900 meters above sea level), winters in Burgos are cold and long and ther eis an important temperature difference between day and night.
From November till March you can expect average high temperatures of 50-55 F. Warmest months are July and August with high averages of 75-80 F. Burgos is dry and the likelihood of rain is below 20% in all months but April and November, when it gets near 30%
Recommended attractions in Burgos
Burgos boosts a great amount of churches and religious art. We have put together the attractions which are worth visiting in this small but fascinating city in Castilla Leon.
Best things to do Near Burgos
Hidden Gems
Burgo de Osma
The Villa was declared of special cultural interest due to the historical importance of its monuments: the Cathedral, the Plaza Mayor, the Walls and the Calle Mayor, where you get the feeling that you can get to know the local way of life. Its plaza Mayor is fantastic and so is its imposing cathedral
A short history of Burgos
In 882 Alfonso III of León reconquered the city from the Arabs. Subsequently, Count Diego Rodriguez Porcelos built a castle and established a settlement, mostly composed of brave troops. During the course of the following century, Count Fernán Gonzalez, founder of the province of Castile, made Burgos the capital of the province.
The area up to the boundaries had to be continuously defended during the struggle with the Arabs, until it became an independent kingdom under King Ferdinand I. In 1075 King Alfonso VI moved the episcopal seat from Oca to Burgos and subsequently had the first Romanesque Cathedral built here. The city of Burgos became very important when all foreign trade of Castilla was put under its jurisdiction (this model was later used at la Casa de Contratación in Seville that regulated trade with America) . But Burgos political and economical importance declined when Madrid was declared the only Corte. IN 1808 the French defeated the Spaniards at Burgos and the city was re-gained by British troops in 1813. Burgos was used as a base for campaigns to gain Madrid and Northern parts of Spain by Franco during the Spanish civil war. The economy of Burgos today is a mix of agriculture and manufacturing. Tourism has grown in importance and to the Cathedral, medieval art and gastronomy, the Museum of the Human evolution has increased its interest for family tourism.
