Burgos Cathedral
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the three great Spanish Gothic cathedrals, alongside those of Toledo and Seville. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it stands in the historic centre of Burgos, in Castile and León, and was the first Gothic cathedral built on the Iberian Peninsula. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984, its spires, golden chapels, and the elaborate Golden Staircase by Diego de Siloé define it as one of the outstanding monuments of medieval Europe.
At a glance
- Type
- Roman Catholic cathedral — seat of the Archbishop of Burgos
- Period
- Founded 1221 by Ferdinand III of Castile; main Gothic construction 13th–16th century
- Style
- Gothic (French-influenced); later Plateresque and Renaissance elements
- Location
- Plaza de Santa María, Burgos, Castile and León, Spain · 42.3408° N, 3.7043° W
Overview
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos is a Catholic church officially designated the Holy Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica Church of St Mary of Burgos. It is the seat of the Archdiocese of Burgos and one of the defining monuments of Gothic Spain. The cathedral holds a remarkable collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, and the famous Mudéjar-Gothic Constable’s Chapel, built for the High Constables of Castile.
History
Construction began on 20 July 1221, ordered by King Ferdinand III of Castile and Bishop Mauricio, who had studied in Paris and brought French Gothic models to Castile. The core structure was largely complete by 1260, but major additions continued for centuries. The famous openwork spires of the western towers were added between 1442 and 1458 by Hans of Cologne, who also began the Constable’s Chapel. The lantern tower (cimborrio), destroyed and rebuilt after its collapse in 1539, was completed in 1567 to a design by Juan de Vallejo.
What you see
The western facade is dominated by two filigree spires rising 84 metres, among the tallest Gothic spires in Spain. Inside, the cathedral contains 19 chapels and a rich treasury of medieval art. The Constable’s Chapel, built in the late 15th century by Simón de Colonia, features a star-shaped Gothic vault and contains the tombs of Hernández de Velasco and Mencía de Mendoza. The Golden Staircase (1519–1523) by Diego de Siloé, a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance design, connects the nave with the north portal at street level.
Cultural significance
Burgos Cathedral was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984, recognised as an outstanding example of Gothic architecture and an exceptional document of the artistic production of medieval Castile. It is also a key stop on the French Way of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The cathedral contains the tomb of El Cid Campeador, the legendary 11th-century Castilian knight, whose remains were transferred here in 1921.
Practical information
- Address
- Plaza de Santa María, s/n, 09003 Burgos, Spain
- Opening hours
- Check the official cathedral website for current schedules (hours vary by season)
- Admission
- Entry fee applies; audioguide available
Getting there
Burgos is on the main Madrid–Irun railway line, with frequent AVE and regional services from Madrid (approximately 2.5 hours). The cathedral is a 15-minute walk from Burgos Rosa de Lima railway station. By car, Burgos is on the A-1 motorway from Madrid and the A-231 from Valladolid. City buses connect the station with the historic centre.