DAY 20: September 13. ( rest day in Burgos)

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The beautiful scene we entered Burgos - fall colours and the 800 year old cathedral on the horizon
The beautiful scene as  we entered Burgos – fall colours and the 800 year old cathedral on the horizon
We thought that this looked like Gavin and Christian!
We thought that this looked like Gavin and Christian!
walking back to the hotel at sunset. A great day off!
walking back to the hotel at sunset. A great day off!
The beautiful cathedral. First started in the 12th and 13th centuries. When finished it did not have the spires ... I think it must have really resembled Notre Dame. Later in the 15th century the spires were added.
The beautiful cathedral. First started in the 12th and 13th centuries. When finished it did not have the spires … We think it must have really resembled Notre Dame. Later in the 15th century the spires were added.
Welcomed by El Sid.
As we arrived we were welcomed by El Cid. His sword ( named Tizona) was recently bought by the government for  1.6 million Euros ( didn’t come with the statue)
Hard to see, one of so many fanciful statues about town - this one a fountain with water falling off the umbrella
Hard to see, one of so many fanciful statues about town – this one a fountain with water falling off the umbrella
Goes to show how the evolution of man can go wrong......
Goes to show how the evolution of man can go wrong……
The Rio Alanzon - obviously the scene of high water - note the centuries old walls on either side.
The Rio Arlanzon River  – obviously the scene of high water – note the centuries old  (green) walls to prevent flooding.

DAY 20: September 13. ( rest day in Burgos)

Today once we finished our chores (laundry) we decided to be tourists. On our walking days we are often too tired to take in the sites. A pilgrimage is not quite the same as a vacation. Peregrinos sometimes need to reconcile themselves to this.
Burgos is a lovely city—-well planned and clean. All along the Rio Arlanzon there are park lands. The streets on either side of the river have many inviting outdoor cafes. Burgos is the capital of Burgos province in the Castile area of Spain and has population of 178,000. It is best known for its Gothic architecture, primarily the Catedral de Santa Maria built in the 13th century. This cathedral is known as the wedding cake cathedral because of its ornate spires. El Cid ( aka Rodrigo Diaz not Charlton Heston) the Castilian hero was born near Burgos. His body lies In the cathedral.
There is an incredible museum in Burgos called “The Museum of Human Evolution”. It began as a result of the discovery of ancient caves in the Sierra Atapuerta Mts. by a coal mining company digging a railway trench. The artifacts date back over a million years and are said to be the earliest ancestors of Europeans. In 2000 the site was declared Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The display was excellent but the two hours we allotted was not enough time. That goes for Burgos as well. Just a day does not do it justice…but the Camino calls us:-)

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