Burgos - Cathedral - Stonework Still Shows Signs Of Intensely Coloured Decoration.

            If you only visit one place in Burgos make it the Cathedral. It is the best example along the Camino of medieval genres and art styles.  If you take your Pilgrim’s Passport you can avail of the 50% discount entrance fee for pilgrims.
It is surprising that the Gothic style of Burgos Cathedral is coherent, as it was constructed over a period of  three hundred years.  The cathedral was founded by Fernando III on 20th July 1221 and was not consecrated until 1260. However the first mass was celebrated in 1230, mainly due to the fund raising and building management of Bishop Mauricio.  The bishop died in 1238 before even the ceilings were closed, but the style of the building was his vision which lived on.
West Facade: the three portals in the facade are late 17th century, and have been described as mutilation of the building, this though did not affect the story and impression the facade communicated.  The eight kings in the middle arcade reminded people of the link between royalty and divine power.  However directly above the kings arcade is the statue of the Virgin, by Juan de Colonia, illustrating how even the monarchy were inferior to the church.  The central door was for royalty when they entered in a procession.  The four statues level with the top of the door are of Bishop Asterio, Bishop Asterio, Alfonso VI, and Fernando III.
South Facade:  this is the main tourist entrance.  The statue between the door is Bishop Mauricio, above are the 12 Apostles, with Christ in Majesty presiding over all, surrounded by scribes passing on the word of God.
The north portal again has Christ in Majesty, this time being beseeched by the Virgin and St John interceding for humanity.  This theme continues with images of divine judgement, the weighing of souls, and sinners being punished.
The interior of the cathedral is massive and the layout map paid for by your entrance fee will be helpful.  The cruciform floor plan, the shape of a crucifix, is 106 meters long. The three naves are separated by massive columns and are surrounded by fifteen chapels, the cloisters, and the Bishop’s Palace. You could easily spend a day exploring the inside of the cathedral.  The main altar retable, dates from 1562, is Renaissance and narrates the life of the Virgin.  The tomb of El Cid and his wife are in the transept after being re-interred in 1921 for a second time.  The choir is 16th century with Renaissance lateral stalls. At the end of the stalls is the bishop’s throne, and in the centre of the choir is the 13th century tomb of Bishop Mauricio.
   

Taken on: July 29, 2017

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Camera: Nikon D7100, f/8.0, 1/80 sec, 52mm (=104mm), ISO 12800 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Nikon D7100
Lens:	TAMRON AF 16-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD B016N
Aperture:	f/8.0
Exposure Time:	0.013 sec (1/80)
Focal Length:	52mm (35mm equivalent: 104mm)
ISO:	12800
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Aperture-priority AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Center-weighted average
White Balance:	Auto
Light Source:	Fine Weather
Gain Control:	High gain up
Saturation:	High
Sharpness:	Hard
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic 7.1 (Macintosh)
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