Area El Serrano Hotel

EL CID CAMPEADOR - the historical Cid.

by breughel

Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar was educated in the Castilian royal court, served the king Sancho II and fought against the Moorish stronghold of Zaragoza but also against the Aragonese Christians.
After the assassination of Sancho II, the crown of Leon and Castile passed to his brother, Alfonso. Rodrigo Diaz became chief general of King Alfonso VI.

The Cid was an expert on battle tactics and had read classic Roman and Greek authors on military themes. He used unexpected strategies, and engaged in what is now called psychological warfare.
The Cid was married in July 1074 to Alfonso's kinswoman Jimena of Oviedo. They had two daughters; both married high nobility so that El Cid is an ancestor to various monarchies in Europe. Their son Diego Rodriguez was killed while fighting against the invading Muslim Almoravids.
After an unauthorized expedition into Granada which greatly upset King Alfonso, the Cid was exiled.
In 1081, the Cid, now a mercenary, offered his services to the Moorish king of Zaragoza and served both him and his successor.

After a crushing defeat against the Moors of Andalusia, Alfonso recalled the Cid from exile in 1087.
After this the Cid, with a combined Christian and Moorish army, started to create his own fiefdom in the Moorish coastal city of Valencia. In the city both Moors and Christians served in the army and as administrators.

El Cid Campeador was not just a exceptional brave hero, he was also a somewhat opportunistic condotierre. Reality is much more complex than the legend.

The Cid died in Valencia of natural causes in 1099. His wife Jimena continued to rule Valencia untill the town was again captured by the Moors. Jimena fled to Burgos with the Cid's body. Both are now buried in the Cathedral.

Cathedral of Burgos - Northside.

by breughel

When walking further to the northside of the cathedral appears the magnificent octagonal Chapel of the Constable (Capilla del Condestable de Castilla Pedro Fernández de Velasco) in Flamboyant Gothic style also by architect Francisco de Colonia.
The interior of the chapel is famous by its pierced double stellar vault and stained-glass panes. It has three fine altarpieces and stone sculptures. Most remarkable is the Carrare marble tomb of the Condestable and his wife.

Beautiful Burgos!

by garridogal

"The Stopover"

On a school road trip to Santander, we stopped in Burgos for the night. Burgos is famous for having a large cathedral, like many other European cities.

However, I think this is one of the largest ones. Not sure.

"La Catedral"

And here it is, the cathedral. I may have already gone to Burgos at the time of this trip and I know that I went later on with my parents. That being said, I know that I must have gone in it at least once.

"The City Gates"

They look extra interesting surrounded by the trees, "shaved" for the winter.

Why didn't I get a better and closer shot?

More importantly, why didn't I take any photos when I got to Santander? I always remember that city as gorgeous and dream of going back some day. So.....WHY?