Burgos

Set on the plains of Castile, Burgos is a handsome, historic city spreading along the banks of the Río Alanzón. Its star attraction is its great Gothic cathedral, one of the most magnificent in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage monument. It is an important stop on the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. Crowned by ornate spires, its interior has 15 opulent side chapels, richly decorated with religious art. The tomb of Spain's warrior hero El Cid, who was born in a nearby village, lies beneath the splendid Moorish dome. A more modern warrior, General Francisco Franco, made Burgos his base during the Spanish Civil War. An elaborate ...

Set on the plains of Castile, Burgos is a handsome, historic city spreading along the banks of the Río Alanzón. Its star attraction is its great Gothic cathedral, one of the most magnificent in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage monument. It is an important stop on the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. Crowned by ornate spires, its interior has 15 opulent side chapels, richly decorated with religious art. The tomb of Spain's warrior hero El Cid, who was born in a nearby village, lies beneath the splendid Moorish dome. A more modern warrior, General Francisco Franco, made Burgos his base during the Spanish Civil War. An elaborate monumental gateway, the Arco de Santa María, leads into the Casco Histórico, the old quarter north of the river. Its streets are full of atmospheric medieval churches and buildings such as Casa del Cordon. Other popular places to stroll include Plaza Mayor, the main town square, and the Paseo del Espolón, a tree-lined riverside promenade. The restored castle overlooks the town and now houses a museum, while two important monasteries on the outskirts offer more historic treasures.

About the Expert

Donna Dailey is the author of Thomas Cook’s Ireland driving guide, coauthor of DK’s Back Roads Ireland and several other titles, as well as the author of Thomas Cook’s HotSpots Costa Blanca and a contributor to AA Publishing’s Key Guide Spain.