St. Mary's Arch (Burgos)
One of the most emblematic places in Burgos is the spectacular St. Mary's Arch, an impressive construction over 10 meters high that, during medieval times, was one of the 12 entrances to the city.
Originally from the 11th century, and profoundly reformed during the 16th century, this lavish arch connected the St. Mary Bridge with the cathedral located in Rey San Fernando Square.
Initially, it was known as the “Puerta de la Puente de Yuso” and its lavish and epic design as a carved altarpiece was intended to serve as a great triumphal arch.
It was built with stone masonry topped with a castle-shaped crenellation, which gives the complex a unique and attractive appearance. It includes niches that pay homage to the founder of the city, Diego Rodríguez Porcelos, and other prominent figures of Burgos.
Another reason why the St. Mary's Arch is a popular place is because the enigmatic and peculiar Museum of Pharmacy is located on its second floor. This is one of the most interesting places in the city.
It is a museum of enormous heritage value because it houses an impressive collection of original apothecary jars dating from 1558 and manufactured in Talavera de la Reina as well as surgical instruments from the 16th to 19th centuries.
This invaluable collection comes from the Hospital of St. John, which at the time had one of the largest and most complete apothecaries in all of Spain. As if that were not enough, the Museum of Pharmacy also exhibits scales, copper stills, archaic laboratory machines and an enigmatic microscope.
Originally from the 11th century, and profoundly reformed during the 16th century, this lavish arch connected the St. Mary Bridge with the cathedral located in Rey San Fernando Square.
Initially, it was known as the “Puerta de la Puente de Yuso” and its lavish and epic design as a carved altarpiece was intended to serve as a great triumphal arch.
It was built with stone masonry topped with a castle-shaped crenellation, which gives the complex a unique and attractive appearance. It includes niches that pay homage to the founder of the city, Diego Rodríguez Porcelos, and other prominent figures of Burgos.
Another reason why the St. Mary's Arch is a popular place is because the enigmatic and peculiar Museum of Pharmacy is located on its second floor. This is one of the most interesting places in the city.
It is a museum of enormous heritage value because it houses an impressive collection of original apothecary jars dating from 1558 and manufactured in Talavera de la Reina as well as surgical instruments from the 16th to 19th centuries.
This invaluable collection comes from the Hospital of St. John, which at the time had one of the largest and most complete apothecaries in all of Spain. As if that were not enough, the Museum of Pharmacy also exhibits scales, copper stills, archaic laboratory machines and an enigmatic microscope.
Location
Civil Buildings in Burgos
Religious Buildings in Burgos
