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Burgos Cathedral
The Cathedral of Santa María is a Gothic church whose foundation stone was laid on 20 July 1221, in the presence of Ferdinand III and Bishop Maurice. It was declared a national monument in 1885 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 31 October 1984. Today visitors enter through the 13th-century Sarmental Portal, with Christ in Majesty on the tympanum. Inside, the highlights are the Golden Staircase, designed by Diego de Siloé in 1519 with gilded iron balustrades, and the crossing lantern, rebuilt after the collapse of 1539 and finished in 1568. Beneath it, El Cid and Doña Jimena have rested since 1921. The late Gothic Constable's Chapel was begun by Simon of Cologne in 1482. High up in the central nave, the Papamoscas, an 18th-century automaton, opens its mouth on the hour. It stands in the old town, at the foot of the castle hill.
Add it to your trip on Wanloria →Things to do at Burgos Cathedral: 4 missions
- Climb the Golden Staircase with your eyesFind Diego de Siloé's Golden Staircase and take a close look at the gilded iron balustrades.
- Look at the Christ in Majesty of the SarmentalStop in front of the Sarmental Portal and find the Christ in Majesty on the tympanum before going in.
- Find El Cid's tomb beneath the crossing lanternStand in the crossing, beneath the lantern, and find the slab of El Cid and Doña Jimena in the floor.
- Spot the Papamoscas above the naveLook up at the central nave and find the Papamoscas, the automaton that opens its mouth on the hour.
Near Burgos Cathedral
Frequently asked questions
How much time do you need for Burgos Cathedral?
Allow about 2 h for the visit.
What is there to do at Burgos Cathedral?
Climb the Golden Staircase with your eyes, Look at the Christ in Majesty of the Sarmental, Find El Cid's tomb beneath the crossing lantern and Spot the Papamoscas above the nave.
What is there to see near Burgos Cathedral?
Church of San Nicolás de Bari (89 m), Arch of Santa María (117 m) and Church of San Esteban (Altarpiece Museum) (143 m).