Burgos

Burgos, city in northern Spain, capital of Burgos Province, in Castile-León on the Arlanzón River. Burgos consists of the old town, on the west bank of the Arlanzón, and a modern district on the east bank, connected by several bridges. Wool and farm produce are the main commercial commodities. Industries include the manufacture of woollen and leather goods, confectionery, paper, and chemicals. The Cathedral of Burgos, begun in 1221 and completed in 1567, is the finest example of Gothic architecture in Spain; it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Built of white limestone in the form of a Latin cross, it contains the tombs of Fernán González and El Cid (a native of Burgos), national heroes of the period of the Moorish occupation.

Founded in the 9th century, Burgos was the capital of the kingdom of Castile and León from 1035 until 1560, when Madrid became the capital of all Spain. It became an episcopal see in 1074 and an archiepiscopal see in 1574. The city was the commercial centre of Castile during the 15th century, but gradually its prosperity declined. In 1833 it became the capital of the province. During the Spanish Civil War Burgos was the seat of the Nationalist government of General Franco until the capture of Madrid at the end of the war. Population 174,075 (2007).