10 essential monuments that you must see in Burgos, no matter what
Photo: Trevor Huxham
Today we get straight to the point. We give you all the keys to make your getaway to the capital of Burgos unforgettable. A complete tour of all the essential monuments to see in Burgos. In total, we will discover the secrets of 10 magnificent architectural gems that make Burgos a must-visit for any traveler worth their salt. We warn you, those who come to visit us always come back.
Burgos is a perfect city to visit over a weekend. Small, pleasant, with a good atmosphere, and a centuries-old history. Its streets invite you to long walks where you only have to worry about taking the best snapshot. Not every day can you visit a Historic Quarter named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with a fascinating past and a bright future.
ESSENTIAL MONUMENTS IN BURGOS
Burgos Cathedral
Photo: Victor Fernández Salinas
It was clear that it had to be first on the list. Harmony and beauty in equal parts in the most emblematic Gothic building in the city and one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Spain. For us, the most beautiful, of course.
Don’t just stay with its obvious exterior beauty because inside it holds authentic treasures and many surprises. In addition to the Main Chapel and the impressive Lantern, you will be amazed by the Golden Staircase, the Constable’s Chapel, the Cloister, and surprised by the Papamoscas. Dedicate a good amount of time to this visit because it’s worth it.
Arco de Santamaría
Photo: cainSan
Exquisite beauty. It is one of the 12 entrances that existed in the ancient walled city and has survived to this day as new. It has a castle-like appearance and in its niches, it houses the figures of Carlos V, El Cid, and Fernán González, among others, presided over at the top by the sculpture of Santa María. The sight it forms with the Puente de Santa María and the Espolón promenade is one of the most beautiful you can see in the city.
Plaza Mayor
Photo: Jim Anzalone
Elegant, colorful, and the city’s nerve center. The architectural ensemble that makes up Plaza Mayor is a mix of centenary buildings that form an octagonal porticoed corridor. Standing out above all is the neoclassical Town Hall. The best way to enjoy this place is to sit on one of its numerous terraces, contemplate the hustle and bustle, or enter one of its traditional shops.
Puente de San Pablo
Photo: Oscar Espiritusanto Nicolás
The figure of our most illustrious character, El Cid Campeador, is very present throughout the city but especially on the Puente de San Pablo. Just before accessing it, we encounter a large bronze statue of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar on horseback. A good prelude to what we are going to find next. The Puente de San Pablo, in addition to giving you wonderful views of the city (sunsets from here are incredible), is guarded by 8 limestone figures corresponding to the most important characters mentioned in the Cantar del Mío Cid.
Special offer: discounted weekend!
At Hotel Ciudad de Burgos, we have thought of everything and want to make your getaway easier for you. That’s why we offer special deals for weekend stays and so you don’t miss any of the items on this list. You can get a 10% discount on your reservation for two nights on the weekend and a 15% discount for three nights.
Church of San Nicolás de Bari
Photo: Viajeros 3.0
The sober exterior of this temple, one of the oldest in the city, does not even hint at the incredible beauty we will find inside. The main altarpiece is one of the most impressive you can find in the entire city. And it’s not like there’s a shortage of churches in Burgos. It is a work of art carved in limestone representing different biblical scenes. Its proximity to the Cathedral causes this temple to go unnoticed, but it’s a must-visit.
Church of San Lesmes
Photo: Germán Yagüe
Let’s visit another no less important church than the previous one. San Lesmes is the patron saint of our city and is buried within the walls of this beautiful Gothic church on the banks of the Vena River. In addition to the saint’s tomb, the main altarpiece, pulpit, and plateresque choir stand out. Next to the Church of San Lesmes, there is another monument worth visiting, the ruins of the Monastery of San Juan. It has a lot of charm and has been recently restored. A true essential of Burgos.
Walls and Castle of Burgos
Photo: El Coleccionista de Instantes
The French troops fleeing the city in the 19th century left us a castle in ruins. Even so, no tourist visit to Burgos passes without visiting the Castle. Today, guided tours can be taken through its walls and underground galleries, and admire the best views of the city from the Castle viewpoint. But we also recommend walking along some stretches of the wall and gates that are still in perfect condition, such as the one located on Paseo de los Cubos.
Casa del Cordón
Photo: Lumiago
It is the Palace of the Constables of Castile, popularly known as Casa del Cordón. This name comes from the Franciscan cord that decorates the main door. It is important for both its beautiful artistic design and the historical events that took place inside. In this place, Felipe El Hermoso lost his life and it also hosted the reception of Christopher Columbus after his second voyage. But this palace was constantly frequented by kings, imagine all the stories that its walls hold. Today, it houses an exhibition center and beautiful bank offices.
Monastery of Las Huelgas
Photo: El Coleccionista de Instantes
We move away from the Historic Center of Burgos to visit the Monastery of Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas. This Cistercian nuns’ monastery offers guided tours every day. Just to see the royal tombs and cloisters will have made the trip worthwhile, but there is much more and you just have to discover it. It is truly beautiful.
Cartuja de Miraflores
Photo: Turol Jones
We now take a short drive (you can also do it by bike) that will take us to another of the essential monuments of Burgos. Surrounded by forests and nature, it seems like we have been transported to a place where time stands still. And something similar happens inside. Needless to say, the entire visit is worth it, but the most spectacular thing is the octagonal alabaster tomb of Juan II and Isabel of Portugal. Burgos was a city of kings, that’s for sure.
Are any of your favorite monuments missing from this list? Of course. Burgos has much more to offer and visit. You just have to come discover it, and we will be delighted to help you.