Burgos: A Historic Jewel in Northern Spain

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-bor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-thyahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver la carta, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr lah kahr-tah, por fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-bor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEs demasiado caro
  [ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl pree-thyo]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (deez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [theen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehth]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes enseñarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs ehn-seh-nyahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ...)
  [oon beel-yeh-teh (ah ...)]

Burgos was founded in 884 by Diego Rodríguez Porcelos, the Count of Castile, under orders from King Alfonso III of León. The city quickly became a strategic stronghold in the Christian Reconquista against the Moors.

Construction of the Cathedral of Burgos began in 1221, under the reign of Ferdinand III and the episcopate of Bishop Mauricio. This Gothic masterpiece, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, took nearly 300 years to complete and stands as one of Spain's most iconic religious structures.

Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as El Cid, was born near Burgos in 1043. He is a Spanish national hero and central figure in the Reconquista. The city of Burgos is closely tied to his legacy, with numerous statues and landmarks commemorating his exploits.

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Burgos served as the headquarters for General Francisco Franco and the Nationalist forces. The city became a central hub for Nationalist operations, and many key decisions were made within its borders.

Founded in 1187 by King Alfonso VIII and his wife, Queen Eleanor, this Cistercian monastery has played an essential role in Spain's religious and cultural history. It served as a royal pantheon and housed many significant religious artifacts.

Burgos is a crucial stop on the Camino de Santiago, the famous pilgrimage route to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims from all over the world pass through Burgos, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry.

During the Peninsular War, Burgos was the site of a significant siege in 1812. British and Portuguese forces, led by the Duke of Wellington, attempted to capture the city from French control. Although ultimately unsuccessful, the siege was a notable event in the war against Napoleonic France.

Established in 1994, the University of Burgos has quickly become a center for higher education and research in Spain. The university continues the city's long tradition of scholarship and learning, contributing to its vibrant and dynamic cultural scene.

Burgos is located in the northern part of Spain, within the autonomous community of Castile and León. The nearest major airport is Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) in Madrid, approximately 250 kilometers away. From Madrid, you can take a direct train to Burgos, which takes around 2.5 hours. Buses also run regularly from Madrid to Burgos, with a journey time of approximately 3 hours. Additionally, Burgos has a small airport, Burgos Airport (RGS), which offers limited flights primarily serving domestic destinations.

Burgos is a walkable city with many of its attractions within close proximity. For longer distances, the city has an efficient public bus system operated by the company 'SAGO'. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. For those wanting more flexibility, car rentals are available. Biking is another popular option, with several bike rental shops and dedicated bike lanes throughout the city.

The official currency in Burgos, as in the rest of Spain, is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful and can be found throughout the city. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets, which may not accept cards.

Burgos is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is essential to stay vigilant. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places such as markets and tourist attractions. The neighborhoods of Gamonal and San Pedro de la Fuente have higher crime rates compared to other parts of the city, so exercise extra caution if visiting these areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Burgos has several hospitals and medical facilities, including the Hospital Universitario de Burgos, which is well-equipped to handle emergencies. Pharmacies are also widespread and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local religious customs and dress modestly in churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' and a handshake. A kiss on both cheeks is also common among friends and family. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties such as 'morcilla de Burgos' and 'cordero lechal'. Don’t leave a tip on the table; instead, hand it directly to the waiter.

To experience Burgos like a local, visit the Mercado Sur to buy fresh produce and local delicacies. Take a leisurely stroll along the Paseo del Espolón, a popular promenade among locals. Don't miss the chance to explore the lesser-known but beautiful Cartuja de Miraflores monastery. Engage with locals at tapas bars to get a genuine feel of the city's vibrant social life.