Burgos Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Mary rises in the center of Burgos with two tall towers that reach above the city and display elaborate limestone sculptures. The building follows the Gothic style and includes multiple chapels, a three-nave layout, and an octagonal crossing dome with star-shaped vaulting.

Construction began in 1221 under Ferdinand III of León, replacing an older Romanesque church that no longer met the needs of the growing city. Later additions in the 15th and 16th centuries brought the upper sections of the towers, the crossing dome, and additional chapels.

The building serves as the final resting place for Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar and his wife Jimena, whose tomb lies beneath the central crossing dome. Visitors can observe altarpieces and liturgical objects in the chapels that remain in use during religious celebrations today.

The main entrance lies on the western facade and leads into the nave, while side entrances provide accessible entry routes. Visitors should expect uneven stone floors in some areas and stairs to upper galleries if those sections are open.

The Papamoscas clock inside features a mechanical figure that opens its mouth and rings a bell at every full hour. This 16th-century automaton is one of the oldest working tower clock mechanisms in Spain.

Location: Burgos

Inception: 1221

Founders: Ferdinand III of Castille

Architectural style: Gothic architecture, Spanish Gothic architecture

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Part of: Way of Saint James in the province of Burgos

Address: Pl. Sta. María, s/n, 09003 Burgos, Spain

Phone: +34947204712

Website: http://catedraldeburgos.es

GPS coordinates: 42.34081,-3.70447

Latest update: December 18, 2025 08:00