Stage Notes & History

HISTORY: Church and Mass - The Catedral de Santa Maria de Burgos (open 0930-1930). Entry 3.50€ on production of a credencial. Do not wear shorts. Santiago chapel amongst many other attractions. Be cautious with the guides who offer tours in English. Mass (no entrance fee) - Daily evening Mass at 19:30, many Masses at other times. www.catedraldeburgos.es. Also Capilla de la Divina Pastora, daily at 19:00 (see Albergue Santiago y Santa Catalina below.)

HISTORY: The Catedral de Santa María, the Catedral of Burgos, is a Gothic masterpiece and is arguably one of the finest buildings on the Camino. It is notable for its vast size, magnificent Gothic architecture, and unique history. Burgos Cathedral was added to the World Heritage List in 1984.

HISTORY: The construction of a Cathedral at Burgos was ordered by King Ferdinand III of Castile and Mauricio, the English-born Bishop of Burgos. Construction started on the site of the former Romanesque Cathedral on July 20, 1221.

HISTORY: The high altar was consecrated in 1260, and there was then a lengthy gap of almost 200 years before construction started up again. The Cathedral was finally completed in 1567, with the addition of the spire over the main church.

HISTORY: The architects principally responsible for its construction were a Frenchman named Enrique (who also worked on Leon Cathedral) in the 13th century, and a German named Juan de Colonia in the 15th century. The latter was discovered and hired by the bishop of Burgos while attending the Council of Constance in 1417.

HISTORY: The Cathedral is the burial place of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar ("El Cid"), and his wife Doña Jimena.

DIRECTIONS: Restaurant La Gloria (near Hospital del Rey) has an economic menu. Restaurant Rincón de España, between river and Cathedral has been recommended. Also Gaona, Virgen de la Paloma. Good places for vegetarians: Prego (Italian) 4 Huerto del Rey (near Cathedral); Mesón de los Infantes (Cathedral, side of Arco de Santa María); La Gaia Comedor Vegetariano, c/San Francisco 31.

HISTORY: The Museo de Burgos is worth visiting as is the Church of San Nicolás, near the Cathedral. Burgos was the home of El Cid in the 11th c. See his statue on the Puente de San Pueblo.

DIRECTIONS: The camino out of Burgos: From the Cathedral follow c/Fernán González, Puerta de San Martín, c/Emperador, c/Villalón and Puente de Malatos.

HISTORY: The Monasterio de las Huelgas Museum. Well signposted. Cross Puente de Santa María and turn right, 20 minutes walk. (On turning R, a good red tarmac cycle path on the left goes directly to Hospital del Rey). Apr-Sep. Hours: Tues-Sat 10:00-13:00 and 16:00-17:30; Sun 10:30-14.15. Entrance 7€, includes guided tour (in Spanish). Once one of the most powerful monasteries in Spain. Chapel of Santiago with statue.

HISTORY: The nearby Hospital del Rey was an important place of rest for sick or tired pilgrims. 12th -16th c. buildings: see the elaborately carved pilgrims’ door and, at the entrance, the Ermita de Santo Amaro, full of relics of people cured of various illnesses. Part of the University campus, the Hospital chapel is open only for Mass. To get there follow the Burgos-Las Huelgas road past a military establishment and follow the wall around the park or take a left fork in the path.

HISTORY: Cartuja de Miraflores, on the eastern outskirts of the city, is still in use as a Carthusian monastery. The church is open (Mon-Sat 10.15-15:00 and 16:00-18:00, Sun 11.20-12:30, 13:00-15:00 and 16:00-18:00). Built 1454-1488, its rich interior reflects its royal patronage. The altar is plated with the first gold brought back to Spain from America. To get there on foot (45 minutes from the city centre) follow the road east on the south side of the river. The Cartuja is on a hilltop. Signposted along c/Valladolid.

HISTORY: Optional detour to Santo Domingo de Silos 75 km S. of Burgos. Recommended if time is available. Buses leave Burgos bus station at 17:30 Mon-Thu, 18:30 Fri, 14:00 Sat. Return 08:30. The cloisters are one of the best Romanesque monuments in Spain and include Christ on the road to Emmaus showing Jesus dressed as a pilgrim. The Abbey is also world famous for its Gregorian chant. Open Mon-Sat 10:00-13:00 & 16:00-19:00. Sun 12:00-13:00 & 16:00-19:00. 2.40€ plus 0.90€ photo permit. Guided tours only. Last entry 18:00. Mass with Gregorian chant 09:00 (12:00 Sun). Vespers daily at 19:00, Matins 06:00 and Lauds 07:00. Compline 21:30. If travelling by bus or bike you need to stay 2 nights to see Silos properly. Book accommodation in advance. There is no albergue.

DIRECTIONS: From Santo Domingo cyclists need not go back to Burgos but can cross to Castrojeriz via Lerma and Santa María del Campo. Lerma is a well preserved hill town with castle of the Dukes of Lerma and all services.