Page 378 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

376  CENTR AL SP AIN

Burgos Cathedral

Spain’s third-largest cathedral was founded in 1221 by
Bishop Don Mauricio under Fernando III. The ground plan –
a Latin cross – measures 84 m (92 yards) by 59 m (65 yards).
Its construction was carried out in stages over three
centuries and involved many of the greatest artists and
architects in Europe. The style is almost entirely Gothic,
and shows influences from Germany, France and the Low
Countries. First to be built were the nave and cloisters,
while the intricate, crocketed spires and the richly
decorated side chapels are mostly later work. The
architects cleverly adapted the cathedral to its sloping West Front
The lacy, steel-grey spires
site, incorporating stairways inside and out. soar above a sculpted
balustrade depicting
Castile’s early kings.

. Golden Staircase
This elegant Renaissance staircase by Diego de
Siloé (1519–22) links the nave with a tall door
(kept locked) at street level.

KEY
1 Capilla de la Presentación
(1519–24) is a funerary chapel with
a star-shaped, traceried vault.
2 Capilla de Santa Tecla
3 Tomb of El Cid
4 Capilla de Santa Ana features
an altarpiece (1490) by the sculptor
Gil de Siloé. The central panel shows
St Anne with St Joachim.
5 Lantern
6 Capilla de San Juan
Bautista and museum
7 Interpretation Centre
8 Capilla de la Visitación
9 Reception and Puerta de Santa María
Information Centre
0 Capilla del Santisímo Cristo

For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp569–70 and pp594–5

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