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Monastery · Burgos, Castela e Leão
Monasterio de Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas
Cistercian nunnery founded in 1187 by King Alfonso VIII and Eleanor of England, royal pantheon of Castela, with a museum of medieval textiles.
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 Monasterio de Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas
The monastery of Las Huelgas lies west of Burgos’s centre, on ground that used to be pasture, from which it takes its name. It was founded in 1187 by King Alfonso VIII of Castela and by Queen Eleanor of England, daughter of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, as a Cistercian nunnery. The queen wanted women in the monastery to have power and autonomy, and for centuries the abbess of Las Huelgas was one of the most powerful women in Spain, with jurisdiction over dozens of towns.
The monastery was also a royal pantheon. In the church, of Cistercian Gothic style, are the tombs of Alfonso VIII and Eleanor in the centre of the nave, and those of other kings, queens and infantes of Castela. The cloisters show two periods: a small Romanesque one and a larger Gothic one.
One of the best‑known displays is the museum of medieval textiles, with garments, cloaks and cushions taken from the royal tombs, including the banner that tradition links to the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa of 1212. There are also chapels with Mudejar decoration, made by craftsmen of Muslim tradition.
The monastery remains inhabited by nuns, and visits are guided, in groups and at set times.
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 hour including the guided tour.
Best time
Generally open Tuesday to Sunday; closed on Mondays. Groups are limited; book or arrive early and check times beforehand.
How to get there
It is west of the centre, about a 20–25 minute walk from the Arco de Santa María along the riverbank, or reachable by city bus.
Tip
Take note of the textile museum: garments from the Middle Ages that have survived are rare, and those from Las Huelgas are among the most complete in Europe.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Monasterio de Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas
Who founded the monastery of Las Huelgas?
King Alfonso VIII of Castile and Queen Eleanor of England, in 1187, as a monastery for Cistercian nuns.
What to see at Las Huelgas?
The church with the royal tombs, the Romanesque and Gothic cloisters, the Mudéjar chapels and the museum of medieval textiles.
Is the visit to Las Huelgas guided?
Yes, in groups and at scheduled times. The monastery usually closes on Mondays; check beforehand.