Burgos

Capital of Burgos province in Castilla-León autonomous community, Spain, 217 km/135 mi north of Madrid; population (2001) 166,200. Products include textiles, motor parts, and chemicals, and the town has a large trade in agricultural products. Founded in the 9th century, Burgos was capital of the old kingdom of Castile. The national hero El Cid is buried in the cathedral, which was built between 1221 and 1567, and is regarded as one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture in Europe.

Many of the early kings of Spain are buried here, in the Convent of Las Huelgas. Edward I of England was married to Eleanor of Castile in the castle at Burgos, the remains of which stand above the town.