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Castle · Burgos, Castela e Leão
Castillo de Burgos
Ruins of the castle on the hill behind the cathedral, dating back to the 9th century, with underground galleries and a viewpoint offering views of the city and the cathedral's spires.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Castillo de Burgos
The castle of Burgos stands on the hill overlooking the center, about 75 meters above the city, behind the cathedral. The first tower was built in 884, when Count Diego Porcelos founded Burgos as an outpost of the Reconquest, and the castle expanded over the following centuries into a fortress with walls, towers and galleries. It served as a royal residence and a prison, and was destroyed by explosions in 1813 during the French troops' retreat in the Peninsular War.
What remains of the castle are walls, gates and an underground section. Excavations have recovered the gates, and the visit includes a medieval well, called Cova do Mouro, with galleries totaling more than 300 meters, and a small interpretation center with the site's history.
The hill around it is a park with woods and paths. Midway up the slope is the castle viewpoint, a terrace with the best-known view of Burgos: the cathedral's spires ahead, the roofs of the old town and the Arlanzón valley.
The walk up takes about 15 minutes from the cathedral, via steps and tree-lined paths.
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
About 1 to 1.5 hours, including the viewpoint and the interior visit.
Best time
Late afternoon, for the view of the cathedral with the low sun. The interior visit and the galleries have their own opening times; check them beforehand.
How to get there
On foot from the cathedral, climbing the steps behind the church of San Nicolás, in about 15 minutes. By car, there is a road up to the top of the hill.
Tip
If you don't have time for the interior, at least climb to the viewpoint midway up: the view of the cathedral is the best in the city.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castillo de Burgos
How to go up to Burgos Castle?
On foot from the cathedral, via stairs and tree-lined paths, in about 15 minutes. There is also a road up to the top.
What remains of Burgos Castle?
Walls, gates and underground galleries, such as the well called Cova do Mouro. The castle was destroyed in 1813.
Where is the best view of Burgos Cathedral?
At the castle viewpoint, halfway up the hill, with the cathedral's spires in front.