Arrived in Burgos today with Juli Todd to start our Camino tomorrow. We met at the Madrid airport and took the Alsa bus north to Burgos – about a 2.5 hour ride. Very comfortable bus and JT and I had a chance to catch up on years of not seeing each other.
Burgos is a beautiful small town. Bus station was in the center of town somewhat in the more modern/new area. Our hotel was a short walk from the bus station and once we figured out where we were going realized we were right in the old part of Burgos in front of the cathedral. Signs are pretty good in the town but the walls around the old part was a little confusing to figure out.
The Burgos cathedral is just amazing in size when you get close. Enormous with over 14 chapels. Hard to believe this beautiful ornate cathedral is in such a small town. It’s Roman Gothic style – started in 1221 with most of the construction in the 1400s. We did an audio tour which took a couple of hours but you could spend days here and still not see all the intricate details of the art work, carvings, and significant history. I’ve seen several cathedrals in Europe – Cologne, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral – and the architecture and art here in Burgos far suppose them – much more ornate and detailed.
After the cathedral tour we just walked around the historic area checking out the streets and found a little restaurant for dinner – BonFin restaurant. Since most restaurants don’t open until after 7 it was challenging but this place opened early.
We are at an excellent hotel here – Meson del CID – recommended by our tour group. Has the best view of the city – directly across from the cathedral. JT and I got rooms with a view so our windows look out right on the square in front of the cathedral and my view from bed is the cathedral lit up at night.
You see a lot of hikers here on the pilgrimage. Most people are very friendly and happy.
Tomorrow we meet our tour group after breakfast and start our hike!
Buen Camino!
Lori's World Adventures 