Statue of El Cid
A monumental tribute to El Cid, Spain's legendary knight, standing proudly in the heart of Burgos.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Less traffic for safer viewing
Statue of El Cid
Best Time
Less traffic for safer viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental tribute to El Cid, Spain's legendary knight, standing proudly in the heart of Burgos.
"It is a bit hard to get good photos of it, though, as it sits in the middle of a busy roundabout."
📸 Photo Ops Challenge
Getting a clear photo can be tough due to its roundabout location. Be patient and look for safe vantage points!
🗺️ Easy to Find
Ask locals or the Cathedral bookshop for directions; it's a well-known landmark.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Statue of El Cid
Middle of a roundabout
A powerful monument to Spain's legendary knight, El Cid Campeador, standing tall.
El Cid's Legendary Swords
Statue's depiction
While the statue may depict a sword from a later era, El Cid is famously associated with his swords, Tizona and Colada.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Roundabout
Understanding El Cid's Legacy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Ops Challenge
Getting a clear photo can be tough due to its roundabout location. Be patient and look for safe vantage points!
🗺️ Easy to Find
Ask locals or the Cathedral bookshop for directions; it's a well-known landmark.
⚔️ Sword History Note
The sword on the statue might be historically inaccurate, but El Cid's real swords were Tizona and Colada.
🚶♀️ Nearby Stroll
Combine your visit with a walk across the nearby bridge adorned with other statues.
How about most based statue? Please meet Giordano Bruno, burned at the stake by the church for insisting countless planets orbited the stars
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Ops Challenge
Getting a clear photo can be tough due to its roundabout location. Be patient and look for safe vantage points!
🗺️ Easy to Find
Ask locals or the Cathedral bookshop for directions; it's a well-known landmark.
⚔️ Sword History Note
The sword on the statue might be historically inaccurate, but El Cid's real swords were Tizona and Colada.
🚶♀️ Nearby Stroll
Combine your visit with a walk across the nearby bridge adorned with other statues.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Statue of El Cid a fascinating monument to a legendary Spanish hero, though its location in a busy roundabout makes close-up viewing and photography challenging. Many appreciate its historical significance and the opportunity to connect with Spanish heritage, especially when combined with nearby attractions.
"I'm not sure why I found this statue so fascinating, but I did even when garnered with a Spanish flag bandana and goggles that day. I had read a bit about El Cid before leaving North America and his unusual history.
The guy at the Cathedral book shop gave me great directions to this statue, so I found it easily. There is also a bridge right in the same area with lots of statues on it. Made for a lovely walk that day and a memorable experience. It is a bit hard to get good photos of it, though, as it sits in the middle of a busy roundabout."
E L
"El Cid is on this little island in the middle of the road. You can’t get near him which was a weird thing. Nevertheless, I was happy to see him! Never forget reading El Cid in old Spanish in college. Well worth seeing!"
Ruth Valle
"El Cid is the spirit of Spain. He is usually in the narrowness and not in the opulence when these great figures arise. Riches debase and denature men as well as peoples. Glorious one-armed man already glimpsed it in his immortal history, in the ideological struggle of the Knight Errant and the squire Sancho. Thrown a nation down the slope of selfishness and comfort, he perforce had to fall into degradation. Thus it was possible to arrive at that monstrosity that a few moments ago was evoked of boasting about closing the tomb of the Cid with seven keys. The great fear that the Cid would come out of his tomb and incarnate in the new generations! Let the strong and virile town of Santa Gadea arise again and not the docile one of the climbing courtiers and merchants! This has been the great service of our Crusade, the virtue of our Movement: having awakened in the new generations the awareness of what we were, of what we are and of what we can be."
Artur Victoria
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Statue of El Cid is centrally located in Burgos, Spain. It's situated in the middle of a busy roundabout, making it a prominent landmark. You can easily reach it by walking from the Burgos Cathedral or other central areas.
While there isn't a direct bus stop at the statue itself, many local bus routes pass through the city center of Burgos, from where you can walk to the monument.
You can drive near the statue, but be aware it's in a roundabout. Parking might be available in nearby streets or parking garages, but navigating the traffic can be challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Statue of El Cid is an outdoor public monument and can be viewed freely without any admission fee.
To avoid crowds and get better photos, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening. Local festivals can also be a vibrant time to see it.
There is no entrance fee for the Statue of El Cid as it is a public monument.
📸 📸 Photography
Photographing the statue can be challenging due to its location in a roundabout. Try to find a safe spot on the sidewalk or wait for a lull in traffic. Early morning or late evening light can also enhance your photos.
Due to its placement in a busy roundabout, getting very close to the statue is difficult and potentially unsafe. You'll likely be viewing it from a distance.
🎫 ⚔️ History & Significance
El Cid, or Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, was a Castilian nobleman and military leader in medieval Spain. He is a national hero, renowned for his bravery and military prowess, often depicted as the epitome of Spanish chivalry.
Some sources suggest the sword depicted on the statue might be from a later period than El Cid's lifetime. He is historically associated with famous swords named Tizona and Colada.
The statue is a tribute to El Cid, a central figure in Spanish history and culture, and serves as a reminder of his legacy and the spirit of Spain.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider pairing the visit with a walk across the nearby bridge, which also features statues, providing more visual interest for younger visitors. Discussing the legend of El Cid in simple terms can make the experience more engaging. Remember to prioritize safety when viewing the statue from the roadside.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Golden hour – early morning or late evening – offers the best light for dramatic shots. Consider using a telephoto lens to capture details from a distance. Be mindful of safety at all times; never step into the roundabout itself. The surrounding area, including the bridge with other statues, can offer complementary photographic opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of El Cid Campeador
His association with legendary swords, Tizona and Colada, further amplifies his mythical status. These swords are not just weapons but symbols of his power and prestige. While the statue in Burgos may feature a sword from a different era, the legend of El Cid is intrinsically linked to these iconic blades. His story continues to inspire, representing the enduring spirit of Spain and its rich medieval past.
Navigating the Roundabout: Photography and Viewing Tips
To capture the best images and appreciate the statue, strategic timing is key. Visiting during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late evenings, can reduce traffic and provide safer viewing opportunities. Some visitors suggest looking for vantage points from the surrounding sidewalks or nearby bridges. Patience is a virtue here, as you might need to wait for a break in traffic to get a clear shot or a moment to admire the monument without the constant flow of cars.
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