Burgos

The capital of northern Spain's Castile region, the city of Burgos still retains an impressive wealth of cultural and architectural splendours. This was the home of El Cid in the 11th century, and legend has it that he is buried there. The city's historic centre, corresponding to its ancient fortifications, simply invites the visitor to wander at length and savour the ambience. There are ten museums in Burgos, covering subjects such as the city's history, books, and a new Museum of Human Evolution, close to where some of the most important fossil remains of all time were discovered. Incidentally, don't forget to sample the regional speciality, the Queso de Burgos white cheese.

The historic centre of Burgos boasts several hotels amidst wonderful surroundings in this friendly city. The Meson Del Cid faces the magnificent cathedral, with many rooms actually affording a view of that stunning building. The Hotel La Puebla is located in a fine old 16th century building. The Abadia Burgos Camino Santiago is a more recent established enjoying a wonderful setting on the river. To reach the nearby attractions, you just walk through the picturesque park. The Hotel Silken Gran Teatro Burgos is located in the city centre close to the Museum of Human Evolution and offers a restaurant, fitness facility and coffee shop and café. The Abba Burgos Hotel boasts an indoor swimming pool, restaurants, a bar and lounge and a coffee shop. The Art Deco style AC Hotel Burgos has two restaurants, one offering Mediterranean cuisine, and the other being more internationally flavoured.

There are many wonderful old churches to explore in this enchanting city. Foremost of these is the 13th century Burgos Cathedral, a Unesco World Heritage Site built in an imposingly vast Gothic style and which forms the centrepiece of the historic Old Town. The Abbey of Santa Maria la Real de Las Huelgas is open to the public as a Spanish Royal Site, and has a wonderful display of Medieval textiles. Situated in pretty woodlands just beyond the city, the Cartuja de Miraflores monastery is another delightful holy place to explore. Also nearby is Burgos Castle, which dates from the 9th century.