San Pedro de Arlanza

San Pedro de Arlanza is a Romanesque monastery standing along the Arlanza River between Hortigüela and Covarrubias. The complex features stone walls surrounding three semicircular apses, two cloisters, and a tower built in the late 12th century.

The monastery was founded in 912 by Count Gonzalo Fernández and remained an active religious center for centuries. Its use ended in 1835 due to state secularization policies that caused its abandonment and decline.

The monastery displays Romanesque architectural features including three semicircular apses and two cloisters that visitors can explore today. These structures reflect the monastic way of life and religious traditions that shaped this place over centuries.

The site sits along the BU-904 road between the two villages and has a parking area at the entrance for visitors. The grounds are open to walk through, allowing you to explore the ruins from different angles.

At the center of the smaller cloister grows a Spanish fir tree over 160 years old, the only one of its kind in all of Burgos province. This unexpected tree stands as a silent witness to the long story of this place.

Location: Hortigüela

Inception: 10 century

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

GPS coordinates: 42.04867,-3.46691

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:24