The city of Burgos, crossed by the Arlanzón River, is a few kilometres away from the prehistoric site of Atapuerca, which was declared World Heritage site. A military hamlet in its origins Burgos slowly became a powerful commercial city in the Middle Ages. A critical factor in this development was that Burgos was the capital of the unified kingdom of Castilla Leon between the 10th and 15th centuries, its privileged location on the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de Compostela and the monopoly it held over the trade of merino wool, also contributed.
All that splendour left a profound mark on present-day Burgos. On the foothill of the fortified Castle Hill, which has the best views of the Burgos, the medieval quarter unfolds. Some of the remarkable buildings of this place include the Mudejar Arch of San Esteban and the Gothic church by the same name, which houses the Reredos Museum. Another important temple is the one devoted to San Nicolás, where you can see a magnificent polychromatic alabaster reredos.
But beyond all doubt, the architectural masterpiece of Burgos is the cathedral, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Erected on top a Romanesque temple, the cathedral was built following a Norman French Gothic model. The filigree work in the spires of the towers and in the exterior of the High Constable Chapel, are some of the masterpieces found in this cathedral. Such beauty and incredible genius lead to a long list of exceptional works of art in its interior. These include the starry dome that covers the tombs of El Cid and Doña Jimena, the choir, the sarcophagi and the Golden Staircase, built by Spanish architect and sculptor Diego de Siloé, a prominent figure during the Spanish Renaissance. Beautiful examples of civil architecture include Casa de Miranda, which houses the Burgos Museum, with an important collection of archaeologic artefacts and Casa de Angulo, which houses the Museum of Fine Arts. The most remarkable house, however, is Casa del Cordón, where the Catholic Monarchs received Christopher Columbus after he returned from his second trip to the New World.
Popular architecture spreads around thick valleys, high plateaux and bleak lands. There are lots of towns where, in addition to admiring their artistic and cultural patrimony, one can play environmentally sound, outdoor sports. These include Miranda del Ebro, Treviño and Villasana de Mena. Something that all these places have in common is their charismatic cuisine. Burgos cuisine is enriched by a great variety of local products, like pulses, cured sausages, game meat, etc. Suckling lamb baked in a wood-fired oven, soused trout and cod stew are some of its best main courses. For dessert, try the delicious "yemas" (a sweet made with egg yolks and sugar), fresh cheese with honey and walnuts, or caramel almonds. All this should be had with some of the famous Burgos wines that hold the label Designation of Origin - Ribera del Duero.
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