Burgos Cathedral
A Gothic cathedral begun in 1221, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos is a Catholic church dedicated to the Virgin Mary located in the historical center of the Spanish city of Burgos. Its construction began in 1221 in the style of French Gothic architecture, and it underwent major embellishments in the 15th and 16th centuries, including spires, the Chapel of the Constable, and a dome. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 31 October 1984, the only Spanish cathedral to hold this distinction independently.
Quick Facts
- Native Name
- Catedral de Santa María de Burgos
- Location
- Burgos, Spain
- Religious Affiliation
- Catholic
- Consecration Year
- 1260
- Heritage Designation
- 1885, 1984
- Architecture Type
- Church
- Architecture Style
- Gothic
- Groundbreaking
- 1221
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The first stone of the new cathedral was laid on June 20, 1221, in the presence of King Ferdinand III and Bishop Maurice of Burgos. Pope Honorius III granted an indulgence to all contributors. The first master builder was presumably an anonymous French architect, possibly brought by Bishop Maurice after his trip to France and Germany. By 1240, Master Enrique became master-architect, and the work progressed quickly; the consecration took place in 1260, though services were held from 1230.
Reader's Guide
Burgos Cathedral is significant as a major example of French Gothic architecture in Spain, with its design related to the cathedrals of Paris, Reims, and Bourges. Its construction and renovations, spanning from the 13th to the 18th centuries, involved notable artists such as the Colonia family, Juan de Vallejo, and Gil de Siloé. The cathedral preserves many works of art from the 13th to 18th centuries, partly because no decisive restorations were undertaken in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its UNESCO designation as an independent World Heritage Site underscores its architectural and historical importance.
Did You Know?
- The cathedral's construction began in 1221 and was consecrated in 1260.
- The spires of the main facade were added in the 15th century by Juan de Colonia.
- The cathedral is the only Spanish cathedral declared a World Heritage Site independently, without being joined to a historic city center.
- The limestone used for construction came from quarries in the nearby town of Hontoria de la Cantera.
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