While I adore train travel in Spain, sometimes renting a car is the best way to go. Especially when you have the time and ability to make some stops along the way. When we decided to spend a few days in San Sebastían, we knew the only way to go was by car. Not only would it give us the flexibility to properly explore a tiny piece of the Basque Country (we even crossed over to the French side), but we were also able to stop in one of the most beautiful Spanish cities on the way up, Burgos.
A Former Capital
Burgos was the former capital of Castilla (Castille), and is currently the capital of the Burgos province in the autonomous community of Castilla y León. It's is a glamorous city, with glamorous people to match. From the elderly residents taking an afternoon stroll to the young Burgos children playing in the city playgrounds, everyone looks like they're out of a clothing magazine. With a GDP above the national average, I guess it's no surprise that the people and the city of Burgos are so perfectly groomed!
The Most Beautiful Cathedral in Spain?
It depends on who you ask, but plenty of people will argue that Burgos is home to the most beautiful cathedral in Spain. It is truly a sight to behold. We only had about four hours in Burgos this time around (including lunch), but we still made time to go inside the cathedral. You could seriously spend hours inside, and by the end of the visit we were power walking to reach the exit-- there is just so much to see.
As it was such a quick visit, I didn't go overboard on the photos, but here are a few that will hopefully inspire some of you to take a trip of your own. Give it more than four hours please!
What's your opinion? Is Burgos really home to the most beautiful cathedral in Spain?
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Ashley
The cathedral in Burgos is incredible. I've been awed every time I've been there.
Lauren Aloise
I agree! I love the town in general!
Emily
We have made several stops in Burgos as well. The most memorable one was in 1981 at a tapas bar. I thought the waiter was serving fried fish, and my husband asked me to order some (he does not speak Spanish). When I ordered "pescado frito" it turned out to be "oreja de credo" (pig's ear). Yuck!
Lauren Aloise
Oh no! Oops!
Melissa
I loved Burgos. I didn't get to go inside the cathedral there or in Leon but checked out the facade of both whenI was on the Camino de Santiago last summer. Burgos almost reminded me of Sagrada Familia in the extreme crazy fanciness of the outside! I would like to go back (not walking) and see Leon and Burgos and probably nothing in between!
Lauren Aloise
I am all about seeing cathedrals from the outside because they are so overwhelming inside! This one was no exception. We were in there for 1.5 hours and needed four or more!
Trevor Huxham
Alright, you've convinced me to go!!!
As far as beautiful cathedrals go, I'd have to say those of Sevilla and Córdoba have been my favorites so far, although there are still a LOT I have yet to explore, like Salamanca's (two!), Zamora's, León's, Girona's, Zaragoza's, Teruel's, and Albarracín's. Of course, Burgos is now on that to-see list!
Andrew Barr
I've seen the cathedral in Toledo and it is pretty impressive. How do they compare?
Lauren Aloise
The one in Toledo is gorgeous, but Burgos is just on another level. You can really walk around it and see it from all angles, which in Toledo is impossible. For me Burgos and Sevilla are the most impressive in Spain-- putting the Sagrada Familia in a whole other category!
Andrew Barr
Fantastic, well it's now officially on the 'to do' list for when I'm next in Spain 🙂
Cat of Sunshine and Siestas
I spent just a few hours in Burgos as well, on my way back from La Rioja. I'm hoping to go back, but walking this time!