Things to Do in Burgos

The title Heritage of Humanity has been rightly conferred upon the Burgos cathedral in the year 1984. The duration of construction of this church lasted from the year 1220 to 1260.

When here it is a given to visit:

• The high altar: The high altar was constructed in the 13th century and has been an important attraction since then.
• Chapel of the Constable: This was one of the modifications from the 15th and 16th century.
• The Flycatcher Statue: This is an interesting attraction and the statue opens its mouth at the ringing of every bell.
• The sepulchre of Muddara: This is a statue of the stepbrother of the Seven Princes of De Lara.

The spot has many other attractions such as Door of El Sarmental, South arm of the transept, Door of the Cloister, Chapel of the Visitation, Chapel of St Henry, Chapel of St John of Sahagún, Chapel of the Relics, Chapel of the Presentation, Chapel of the Holy Christ of Burgos, Golden Staircase, Chapel of San Nicholas, Transept and dome and the Chapel of St Gregory. All of these transport visitors back in time and also creates a tranquil feel within.

As the name suggests, the museum houses various artefacts related to the evolution of mankind. In fact, it is home to a large number of important human fossils and hence, is a significant destination. The museum also falls in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The museum was built with the very purpose of preserving the findings at the Sierra de Atapuerca Site. It was but natural that the museum would also preserve the scientific interpretations and disciplines drawn from the excavation. The museum adds immense information to the concept of human evolution. 

The monastery has the following interesting attractions that can be looked at:

• 14th-century music manuscript, the Codex Las Huelgas
• Museo de RicasTelas,
• The Miramamolin

Interestingly enough, the monastery has been witness to a large number of royal weddings. Not only that, it has also seen the royal birth of King Peter I from Castile.  In fact, the monastery was founded by Alfonso VIII of Castile in the year 1187. 

Spain has quite a few gothic attractions and the Cartuja de Miraflores at Burgos is one of the most important gothic monuments of Spain. The buildings were original built as a palace for     Henry III of Castile in 1401, but his son John II of Castile gave orders to make it a royal burial place. Finally, in 1441 the abbey was formed which then went through many renovations.

The following are why the place is special:

• From Divine to Beautiful Exhibition: This is a beautiful exhibition that displays art works from the 15th century.
• Chapel of Our Lady of Miraflores: The chapel allows you glimpses of Baroque frescoes which are beautiful to look at.
• Elevation of the Cross: This is a modern art piece done by Joaquin Sorolla.

Apart from these, the Chapel of Blessed Sacrament is one of the most important landmarks of this spot. It has a large number of things that are charming to look at. 

Yacimentos de la Sierra de Atapuerca is a mountainous region at Castile and Leon in Spain. It is not only an area of natural interest but also a cultural heritage. A large number of archaeological things were found at this spot very recently. The caves of the Sierra de Atapuerca are home to fossil records of the earliest humans being in Europe which dates back to as far as one million years ago. The reserve is an exceptional scientific study of our human ancestors.  

Owing to which, these mountain ranges have been in limelight since a last few years. A nearby museum exhibits the findings of the place which makes it easier to understand the importance of the mountain range.

The attractions found over here are –

• The railroad trenches: These trenches are remains of the railway line constructed during the industrial revolution for mining purposes.
• The archaeological diggings: These are found here owing to ongoing excavations.
• Mirador: Remnants of the Neolithic and the Bronze Age have been found at this spot.
• Orchid Valley: This site is outside the caves and has an amazing length of 30,000 years. 

Castillo de Burgos is an enchanting fortress of Spain and is also one of the first buildings of the city. Count Diego Porcelos is the man behind this building who built this for defensive purposes in the year 884. The fortress was imperative to the “Reconquista” which was a historical process where Christian Kingdoms sought to control the Muslim rule.

The places of importance here are:

• The Door: There are 2 doors here; one recently excavated and popularly known as the South Gate and the other one that faces the North West.
• The Pozo: The pozo is an underground well that contains immeasurable data from the past.
• The Gunpowder Factory: One of the many secondary activities carried out here was, the gunpowder factory.
• Alcazar: This place also referred to as Alonso X was inhabited by the royal prince Joan X II along with his father Henry X II. 

The Paseo del Espolon is one of the most popular landscapes in Spain. The place is famous for its quirky and unique layout fashion and the variety of gardening styles.

The attractions found on this fantastic walkway are:

• Arco de Santa Maria: This is a monument in itself and is a strong reminder of the medieval ages.
• A Home Theatre: This is huge and in this building itself there are a large number of attractions.
• Circle of the Union: These buildings are a result of the union entered into by various partners for the purpose of manufacturing and selling Swedish coffee.
• Gate Tower San Pablo: This has been demolished and was replaced by the triumphal arch and gradually was the place where the Count of Salvatierria was executed.

One of the most popular monuments of Spain, the Arcos de Santa Maria was built in fourteenth Century and remodeled by Juan de Vallejo and Francisco de Colonia; the Arcos is of a autonomous community of Castile and Leon. It is one of the 12 gates of the city in the medieval times. At the entrance, guarding the city are the Castile heroes and kings, the bottom row consist of the first judges of the town,NuñoRasura and Lain Calvo who are flanking the town’s founder Diego Porcelos as if in protection, while the top row from left to right consist of the fierce warrior Cid, Emperor Charles V and FernánGonzález.The Promenade mall connects Santa Maria to the cathedral.

The following are the significant spots of the monument:

• The door: The door was manufactured with the triumphal arc in mind and the two together make a winning combination.
• The 6 niches: These niches contain figures that are significant to the city such as the founder, the count etc.
• The facade: The façade has been beautifully constructed and is in itself enough to attract a large number of tourists.
• Mudejar Plasterwork: The Mudejar Plasterwork was what the wall was initially made of and some of this has been retained in spite of renovation. 

Orbanejadel Castillo is a regular town and the administrative rights of the town belong to the municipality. The town was once upon a time independent of the municipality but things changed over time. It has been visited by a large number of scholars for geological and scientific interests and the waterfall here attracts a large number of visitors. It’s surrounded on its 4 sides by Báscones of Zamanzas, San FelicesRudrón, Escalada and Villaescusa de Ebro.

The main attractions of this town are:

The Waterfall: The waterfall is why a large number of people visit this place. As the water comes mainly from spring and abundant rain, it is advised to go in October or September to fully appreciate this beauty.

Cave Nispero: The cave is located 90 meters above the river and has been an important topographical site. 

This is a winery built by Norman Foster. It is a unique winery. It does not follow the regular wine making process. In fact, it combines tradition with modernity to dole out the best wine that has ever been made which is even ranked among the top 10 best wines in the country. This is a family business that has been in operation right since its conception. You can look at the Vines, the barrels and the manufacturing process and also partake in a wine tasting session.

The 2 best places found here are:

• The Restaurant – You can visit this restaurant and taste the scrumptious food and the lip smacking wine.
• The Vinoteca– This is where the Vines for the wine come from.

It is one of the many medieval buildings of Spain and this one has been found in the 13th century. In 1978, the monument is the oldest church in Madrid and was declared as a building of cultural interest. It was mentioned in the publication,“Law of Madrid” (Fuero de Madrid), which determined the local laws and regulations in 1202.

The following from the church will leave you enthralled:

• Quarries Reduena: This is where one gets a heavenly glimpse of the mudejar covering and it is beyond beautiful.   
• The tower: The tower dates back to the 12th century whereas the top spires were added on to it in the 18th century.
• The entrance and the door: The layout of the entrance corridor is extremely different from that of the other areas of the attraction. A lovely door has been incorporated into this façade which adds to its splendor. 

This plaza is named after El Cid to honor the mighty fighter whose statue gives us an interesting insight of the Spanish history with his famous sword “Tizona” in his hand. El Cid is the local hero of Burgos who was born here in 1043 in the middle ages and died in 1099 in Valencia.

Sculpture of a Castilian noble: A legendary man called El Cid,the sculptor designer designed the bronze equestrian statue of the fiercest Spanish warrior that ever lived. The statue even its complete stillness looks ferocious and mobile, ready to charge ahead.

Vivar Del Cid, the village where El Cid himself was born is located just kilometers outside of Burgos.

Puente de San Pablo bridge near the plaza is a must see as it exhibits just as beautiful statues on both sides.

Classically designed, the 15th Century Gothic building was the palace of the Constables of Castile. The regal stately home was the resting place of the Constable of Castile, ‘Don Pedro Fernandez de Velasco and his wife Dona Mencia de Mendoza. Originally designed by Juan de Colonia and his son Simon, its unique design is the product of modification over time. The castle is a representation of marriage between a constable and his wife through the union of two houses that is the ‘Velasco’ and ‘Mendoza’. A fascinating fact of this place is that the place was used for meetings in between Catholic Monarchs and Christopher Columbus after he discovered the Americas to discuss about his new world findings.

The chain at the main entrance refers to the Franciscan monk, therefore its name.

There are many art exhibitions that take place in the cord house. Some of the works of Picasso, Salvador Dali, Marcel Duchamp and Eduardo Chillida are exhibited here.

The Parque de la Isla combines history with great natural beauty. It is also one of most soothing place of the city and definite good for some landscape photography.

• Bank of RiverArlanzon: The Park is situated just at the banks of the Arlanzon River; a walk in the Parque de Isla gives a spectacular view of the river as it flows north of the Iberian Peninsula.
• The botanical garden: Its name originates from the old island which was formed between the esguevas and the river. Therefore this is a natural botanical garden that is full of exquisite flowers you could find along with the Arlanzon River.
• The archeological monuments: The monuments include Castilfalé arches, cloister of Monastery of San Pedro de Arlanza, Baptismal fonts of former church of St. Martin, and cruise from San Pedro de la Fuente etc. These were renovated just in 2011 and it has improved the sightseeing experience and made this a true must have for visitors who would like to learn, take in the experience and relax.

The historic center of Burgos is elegant and splendid with its wondrous architecture.

The place has many attractions that any tourist wouldn’t want to miss, some of them are:

Arco de Santa Maria: Once operating as the main gate of the old 14th century city, the ancient walls and remains tell about the historic tales of the past El Cid statue. The statue of one of the bravest warriors of Spain is showcased splendidly in his ferocious representation.

Paseo Del Espolon: This is a pedestrian friendly attractive park, with striking facades.

The cathedral: Visit the cathedral that is at the center of the Historic center guarded by two magnificent gates.