Spain Destinations: Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Burgos

Burgos is a city in Castilla-Leon that still maintains important remnants of its medieval splendor. It was the capital of the kingdom of Castilla-Leon for five centuries because of  its privileged location on the Pilgrim’s Road to Santiago de Compostela. Burgos is a pleasant place to discover the magnificent ancient monuments, old-world cobblestone streets, and promenades. You can also visit one of the most important archeological sites in the world, Atapuerca, located north-east of Burgos, a 25 minutes drive from the city.

Burgos Gothic Cathedral

The Cathedral of Burgos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture.  The abundance of decoration and imposing proportions make this cathedral one of the most impressive in Spain. You can follow the twisting passages of naves, the Gothic cloisters and Renaissance chapels, and visit the monumental tomb of Ferdinand III and the resting place of Rodrigo “El Cid” Díaz de Vivar, Castilla’s greatest hero.

Burgos Castle

Located on the top of a hill this castle was a surveillance point during the Reconquest. The Burgos Castle still keeps its medieval well, a spiral staircase reaching almost 63 meters, a mysterious maze of tunnels that surprise visitors, plus it offers fantastic panoramic views of Burgos and the Cathedral.

Puerta de Santa Maria

The Arch of Santa María is one of the most emblematic monuments in Burgos. During the Middle Ages it was one of the twelve doors giving access to the city. This Arch connects the Santa Maria bridge with the King Fernando square where the cathedral stands.

Atapuerca Archaeological Site

The caves of the Sierra de Atapuerca contain a rich fossil record of the earliest human beings in Europe, from nearly one million years ago and extending up to the Common Era. The Atapuerca site provide unique testimony of the origin and evolution both of the existing human civilization and of other cultures that have disappeared. There are several tours to enjoy if you are a fan of history: you can either book a tour from the Museum of Human Evolution located in the city or directly on the site in Atapuerca’s visitor center.