Santo Domingo de Silos

Santo Domingo de Silos is a Benedictine monastery set in a valley surrounded by limestone cliffs and forested hills in the Province of Burgos. The complex includes a church, cloisters, and various buildings that developed over many centuries.

The monastery was founded in the 11th century and became a center for manuscript production, where monks created documents that shaped the development of the Spanish language. After its establishment, the site went through several periods of expansion and rebuilding.

The monastery library maintains a collection of 60,000 volumes, including medieval manuscripts, parchments, and ancient codices that document Spanish religious and linguistic evolution.

The museum housed within the complex displays a collection of musical instruments and materials that document various aspects of monastic life. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the grounds are hilly and exploring takes several hours.

The Glosas Silenses, early handwritten notes on the Spanish language produced here, now reside in the British Museum in London. This document reveals the monastery's historical importance for the linguistic development of Europe.

Location: Province of Burgos

Capital city: Santo Domingo de Silos

Elevation above the sea: 1,001 m

Part of: Mancomunidade «La Yecla», Triángulo del Arlanza, Way of the Cid, Ruta de la Lana, Ebro Way of St. James

Shares border with: Arauzo de Miel, Espinosa de Cervera, Ciruelos de Cervera, Santibáñez del Val, Contreras, Carazo, Mamolar

Website: http://santodomingodesilos.es

GPS coordinates: 41.96250,-3.41972

Latest update: December 20, 2025 15:25