Burgos Heritage Walk - Cathedral, Kings & the Legend of El Cid

The expedition starts at The House of Cordon. The Gothic building of great beauty was an emblematic royal building where Catholic sovereigns always stayed during their visit to Burgos and the scene of the meeting between the Catholic Monarchs and Christopher Columbus upon his second return from America.

Continue to learn about the rich history of the city at the Statue of El Cid, dedicated to Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, a son of Burgo who was the protagonist of the most significant medieval Spanish epic poem!

The majestic sculpture prominently stands at the start of the riverside Espolon Walk, lined by quaint boutiques and curious statues. Interestingly, the two tree lines on the thoroughfare join their branches together creating a unique “capony” for strollers, adding to such a romantic ambiance.

Halfway along the street, stop by the Main Square. The favorite meeting point beating with the rhythm of Burgos’s life is a great spot to watch locals in their daily lives and get immersed in their rich culture.

Then, enter through the Arch of St. Mary, which gets its name from the namesake cathedral, the first thing captivating your eyes once setting foot inside. But don’t miss out on the portal which is an architectural feat itself with beautiful sculptures from the 16th century.

Next, come closer to marvel at the breathtaking façade of the Cathedral of Saint Mary. As one of the first Gothic churches in Spain, the monument has the whole history of Gothic art being exhibited in its exterior. The temple of immense splendor is not only closely tied with the city's history as the setting for many historic events and home to royal tombs but also famous far beyond Spain's borders as a stopping place on St James’ Way.

Continue to visit Saint Nicholas of Bari, which has the best altarpiece in the city despite being the second fiddle to the imposing cathedral. The life of Saint Nicolas is gorgeously depicted in incredibly intricate detail on the magnificent altarpiece dominating the simplistic nave of the church.

The final destination is a bit of a climb: the St. Stephen's Stairs, running along the historic walls and leading to the ruins of Burgos castle perched atop San Miguel Hill. But once arriving, you can take a break enjoying picturesque views of the Old Town from above or explore the weathered fortress in your own way.