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Monastery · Burgos, Castela e Leão
Cartuja de Miraflores
Carthusian monastery from the late 15th century about 3 km from the centre, with a Gothic church, a gilded reredos and the alabaster tombs of Juan II and Isabel of Portugal, carved by Gil de Siloé.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cartuja de Miraflores
The Carthusian monastery of Santa María de Miraflores stands on a hill about 3 km east of Burgos’s centre, near Fuentes Blancas park. It began as King Juan II of Castile’s hunting lodge, which he donated to the Carthusian order in 1442. The current church was completed at the end of the 15th century at the initiative of his daughter, Isabel the Catholic, as a pantheon for her parents.
The church is late Gothic, with a single nave covered by star‑vaulted ceilings and a façade decorated with the founders’ coats of arms. In the centre of the presbytery is the tomb of King Juan II and Queen Isabel of Portugal, in alabaster, shaped as an eight‑pointed star, carved by Gil de Siloé, with dozens of figures and exquisitely detailed workmanship. On the side wall is the tomb of the infante Alfonso, Isabel’s brother, by the same sculptor.
Behind the tombs, the reredos of the high altar, also by Gil de Siloé and Diego de la Cruz, is gilded and polychromed wood, with a large circle of angels around the crucifixion. Tradition says it was gilded with one of the first shipments of gold from the Americas.
The charterhouse remains inhabited by monks who live in silence, and only the church and some chapels are open to visitors.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 to 45 minutes.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, outside the monks’ prayer times. Visiting hours are limited; check before you go.
How to get there
It is about 3 km east of the centre. Go by city bus, taxi or car, or walk along the park by the Arlanzón in about 45 minutes.
Tip
Spend a few minutes in front of the tomb of Juan II and Isabel of Portugal: the details of the alabaster figures only appear up close. Respect the silence, as the monks live there.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cartuja de Miraflores
What to see at the Cartuja de Miraflores?
The Gothic church, the alabaster tomb of Juan II and Isabel of Portugal, the tomb of the infante Alfonso and the gilded altarpiece, all works by Gil de Siloé.
Does the Cartuja de Miraflores still have monks?
Yes. Carthusian monks live there in silence, and only the church and some chapels are open to visitors.
How to get from Burgos city centre to the Cartuja?
By city bus, taxi or car, about 3 km, or on foot through the riverside park in about 45 minutes.