The Cathedral of Burgos: Saint Metropolitan Cathedral Church The Cathedral of Burgos was declared part of the World Patrimony by the UNESCO in 1984. SIts building began in 1221 and it was founded by the King Ferdinand III, the Saint, and Bishop Maurice. In the cathedral there are splendid chapels dating from the 13th century until the 18th century, such as the Chapel of Saint Nicholas (XIIIth c.), the Chapel of the Constables (XVth c.) and the Chapel of Saint Tecla (XVIIIth c.). There is a magnificent sixteenth-century dome , the work of Juan de Vallejo. In the centre of the crossing the tomb of the Cid Campeador and of his wife Doña Jimena can be found. Their remains were brought here in 1921. From the outside, the towers of the main facade can be seen, as they are highlighted by two magnificent gothic spires, the work of Juan de Colonia at the end of the XVth century. There are also various entrance doors noteworthy for their beauty: the Coroneria (XIIIth c.), Sarmental (XIIIth c.) and Pellejeria (XVIth c.).

Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, the Cid Campeador. Among all our historical figures from the Middle Ages only one was to achieve European fame and reputation. That was Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, a hero, also known by the name of Cid Campeador. Although he had been exiled from his native land, Burgos, he won the kingdom of Valencia, which was at least as important as most of the Christian kingdoms of that time, by the only means of his sword. The Cid was very popular among his own people in Castile and also among the Moors for several reasons: he was considered to be an exceptionally skilful warrior, for he had won all the battles in which he had taken part, and he was also admired for his generosity towards the defeated. He was an honest man, and a person of wit. As an educated man, , he could read and write.

The Castle The Castle represents the very beginning of the city. The count Diego Porcelos founded the fortress in 884. In the middle age, the castle was under the direct control of the Castilian monarchs and served as a goal for high-rank prisoners and occasionally, as a venue for diplomatic meetings and court celebrations. In the XIXth century, during the war of independence the castle was destroyed. ANowadays, it is possible to visit the remains of the fortress: the underground galleries (the cave of the moor, a 60 metres long underground structure) and the well. The lookout point offers a great view of the city.

Sta Marias´arch It´s the most beautiful and well-known gate in all city, and also its main façade. By this door we can get into the old quarter, and also to Burgos´ cathedral. It was built as triumphal arch in 1536 by Juan de Vallejo and Francisco de Colonia, it shows in its façade the most important personalities of Burgos and its history, like the founder of Burgos Diego Porcelos, Charles V, or "el Cid Campeador". Inside we can admire the "Poridad" room, with a XIVth century richful Mudejar coffered cealing , and several motifs of El Cid, as for example the copy of the sword Tizona, an old pharmacy museum, and also an spectacular painting showing the foundation of Castille and the count Fernán González painted by the painter from Burgos Vela Zanneti.

PASEO DEL ESPOLÓN It is situated nearby Santa Marías´ arch, and between Saint Paul and Santa Maria´s bridges. It´s the avenue par excellence in Burgos It´s the most central and popular walk in the city, it is from the end of the XVIII century, it has a big variety of plant species, and it´s outstanding a centenary of plain trees with the branches completely connected. The avenue also has eight impressive statues of different Castilian kings as Alphonse VI, and Henry III, and also a beautiful Music pavilion in use today. In this walk there are also important historical buildings like The overseas Consulate building, the Provincial palace, the main theatre or the Carts gate, an old medieval door through which we can get to the main Square because of its strategic situation is the place where usually trade fairs, markets, concerts and pleasure activities are celebrated.

Carthusian Monastery of Miraflores Founded in 1442 by John II of Castile -Elisabeth the Catholic father- the Monastery is located 5 km far from the centre of Burgos and there is still a community of Carthusian monks. The church was built in the second half of the XVth century by Juan and Simon de Colonia. Gil de Siloe made the main altar piece and the magnificent alabaster tomb of monarchs Juan II and Isabel of Portugal and prince Alfonso. Its interior holds a gothic choir of the Fathers made by Martin Sanchez from Valladolid and the Brother's choir stalls are Renaissance in style, by Simon de Bueras. The chapel of San Bruno has a statue of the saint by Manuel Pereira. Among other works of interest is a painting of the Annunciation by Pedro Berruguete and a great Flemish triptych of the Calvary painted by Van der Veyden school.

Museum of Burgos The museum's collections are entirely Burgos-oriented; every item was either made in or for Burgos, and together they draw a picture of the historical and cultural evolution of the province. The Prehistory and Archaeology Section is in the Casa de Miranda an elegant Renaissance palace built in the XVIth century. The star exhibits are the prehistoric specimens from the Sierra de Atapuerca, the items from the necropolises of Villanueva de Teba and Miraveche, Roman artefacts from Clunia and the La Bureba paleochistian sarcophagi. The Art Section is located in the Casa de Iñigo Angulo and there are works of art from the post-Visigoth era to contemporary art. Some of the more arresting items are the enamelled copper Frontal or Urn of Santo Domingo (XIIth century), the sepulchre of Juan de Padilla (XVth century), Renaissance altar pieces and funeral sculptures, XVth and XVIth century painted panels, several works by Mateo Cerezo (XVIIth century) and a cared selection of works by XIX and XXth century artists.

Church of San Nicolas Located in the middle of the Way to Santiago, the gothic church of San Nicolas holds a marvellous stone altarpiece by Simon and Francisco de Colonia in 1500. It also contains an outstanding Flemish board painting of Judgement Day (1515) and several funeral sculptures.

Church of San Gil It is a gothic church erected in the late XIIIth century. The exterior plainness of the building is in contrast with the beauty and refinement of its interior such as the Chapel de la Natividad (1529), the Chapel de los Reyes, and the Chapel de la Buena Mañana; all of them were made by the most important artists.

RUTA DE LA LUZ When it gets dark in Burgos, its Cathedral, its Castle, its monasteries, churches and palaces become the main figures of the city. These monuments gleam in the light that illuminates them, and they offer us a beautiful sight which could not be contemplated in the past. The Route of the Light consists of a trip at night around lit up monuments. The route takes us around narrow and steep streets which show at every corner traces of our city's historical past. The most eagerly awaited point of the route comes when we reach the top of the Castle hill. From there we can see the city bathed in light.

Main Theatre In the 19th century the City Council of Burgos decided to have a theatre built in order to cater for the cultural prospects of the city. It was inaugurated in 1858 and it maintained a thriving cultural and theatre activity for several decades, reflecting the cultural climate of Burgos at that time. A round building or "rotunda" (polison) was subsequently attached to the western facade of the main building to be used as a concert hall. Its architecture responds to the refined courtier style of French academicism. Following an important renovation of the building, which was carried out by Jose Maria Perez "Peridis" in 1997, not only has the image of the building been restored but also its surroundings which, together with the Espolon walk and the Arlanzon river, work as a display of the city.

Main Square Situated in the heart of the city, it was conceived as an open space for the main purpose of developing trade. It has also been the site where the main social and recreational events have taken place, including bullfighting. Despite having undergone many changes, it maintains its distinctive arcade and irregular layout as well as its original commercial atmosphere.