The city was founded in 884 by count Diego de Porcelos who made great efforts to repopulate the area, persuading people living in the northern mountains to move to the plains of northern Meseta. The city was protected by walls with four monumental gates: the gate of Santa Maria, San Juan, San Esteban, and San Martin.
Following the conquest of Toledo in 1085 where Christians defeated the Muslim troops, the area started a spectacular development. Most of the greatest monuments and sights of the city were built in the oncoming two centuries. The Cathedral’s foundation stone was laid on 20 June 1221 by king Fernando III, his wife, and bishop Mauricio. The construction then lasted for several centuries and was finished only in the 18th century.
Accommodation in Burgos
| Hotel name | Type | Price range | Room type | Other |
| Hostel Catedral Burgos | Hostel | Budget | Shared rooms | Free WiFi, Bar & Restaurant |
| Hostel Trovadores | Hostel | Budget | Shared rooms | Free WiFi, kitchen |
| Hotel Cordón | Hotel | Budget | Private rooms | Bar & Cafe, WiFi |
| Apartamentos La Quinta | Apartamentos | Mid-range | Private rooms | Terrace, WiFi, kitchen |
| Hotel Centro Los Braseros | Hotel | Mid-range | Private rooms | WiFi, Bar & Restaurant |
| Landa | Hotel | Splurge | Private rooms | Swimming pool, WiFi, Bar & Restaurant, Terrace |
What to see
Church of San Nicolas
The Church of San Nicolas is located to the left of the main facade of the Cathedral. It is a Gothic church constructed early in the 15th century from donations by the prosperous Burgos merchant Gonzalo Lopez. The treasure of the church is the monumental high altarpiece made from stone, something rare at that time. The altar design shows images of saints and apostles from the Bible. Gonzalo Lopez, his brother, and their wives were buried in the church.
Burgos Castle
The fortress can be found 75m above the city on the hill of San Miguel. It was raised by Count Diego de Porcelos, the founder of Burgos.
Hospital del Rey
Founded by King Alfonso VIII in 1195, this building was a major healthcare institution for sick and poor pilgrims.
The Gate of Santa María
One of the four main city gates was built in the 14th century. It is probably the most well-known one as The Cid usually used this gate as an entrance end exit when leaving or arriving at Burgos with his troops.