Exploring Burgos, Spain – Wanderlust @84

“The gladdest moment in human life is a departure into unknown lands.” – Sir Richard Burton

Burgos is a city in northern Spain located at the north of Castille and Leon, about 259km north of Madrid. It is the historic capital of Castille.

We were there only for a day trip from Toledo so we really didn’t have time to explore the outskirts. But from the little we saw, it was already quite impressive.

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos or it’s official name of Santa Maria Iglesia Catedral Basilica Metropolitana de Santa Maria de Burgos, is a catholic church located in the historical centre of Burgos. It is the third biggest in Spain. All around, it has intricate designs that show us the evolution of the Gothic style. No wonder that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

El Arco y Puerta de Santa Maria is another iconic site in Burgos. This archway entry is called ‘Door of Santa Maria’. During the medieval days, the whole city was enclosed inside walls and this was only one of the twelve doors where you can enter the city.

Paseo del Espolon is an enjoyable place to stroll. It is a beautiful tree-lined promenade that is between the canals and the walls of the city.

The San Lesmes Abad Church is a Gothic style church and it contains the remains of San Lesmes, the patron of the city.

Burgos was also the birth place of El Cid, a military leader of medieval Spain. He is a celebrated national hero after he fought the Muslims during the Spanish Reconquest. You can see a bronze statue of El Cid in Plaza del Cid, which was erected in 1955.

Exploring the streets of Burgos…

The Arch of Fernan Gonzalez is a triumphal arch in Burgos, which was erected between 1581 and 1587. He was the first independent count of Castille and this arch is located on the site of his residence.

El Solar del Cid was built in 1784. The monument consists of three monoliths with the shields of Burgos and San Pedro de Cardena and a commemorative plaque with the coat of arms of El Cid in the middle.