Burgos Catedral

The Burgos Catedral is a Gothic masterpiece worth a visit. Admission is €7.

The facade was started in the 13th century and modeled after Notre Dame in Paris. In the 14th century, German builders took over and added the frills to the tops of the towers, similar to the Cathedral in Cologne, Germany.

I recommend using Rick Steves to help you understand the interior. There are 18 chapels, added over many centuries and in many styles.

At the back of the catedral, look up and to the right of the rose window.

You'll find the "Flycatcher Clock" which rings every quarter hour. The statue above the clock is the German maker, whose mouth opens and closes when the bell rings at the top of each hour.

The Chapel of St. Anne has an impressive altar. The altar shows Jesus' family tree.

On the bottom, 2nd from the left, you'll find an image of the sculptor wearing glasses.

The Golden Stairs, designed by a student of Michelangelo.

Ornate silver processional stand sits next to the staircase.

Opposite the stairs is the choir area.

Look up at the Plateresque-style dome (richly ornamented in a low-relief style suggesting silver work).

The tomb of El Cid is located in the cathedral.

Main altar with a statue of Mary in silver.

One of the more interesting chapels is the Chapel of the High Constable (a knight who won a crown in battle for his king or queen). It has its own altar, two side naves, a choir and organ and has been called a cathedral within a cathedral.

The chapel was designed by the High Constable's wife, who is also entombed here.

On his side of the chapel, the images are more male-dominated, including these 2 brutes holding his coat of arms.

On her side, the decorations are more feminine, including these damsels holding the coat of arms.

Notice the paintings in this chapel. This one is a Flemish painting likely from the school of Hans Memling.

The other painting is Mary Magdalene, by a pupil of Leonardo da Vinci.

Heading downstairs to the lower level, you'll find models of the church. This was the original Romanesque church

This is a very crude model and was made of cardboard. It looked like a 4th grade project.

A model of the entire church complex as it looks today was more impressive.

El Cid's chest is also on display.

2021 09 16