Statue of El Cid (Burgos)
Of all the famous people of Burgos, without a doubt, the best-known worldwide is Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, better known as “El Cid Campeador”, a heroic figure during the reconquest who has remained within the Burgos collective imagination. That is why the Statue del Cid is one of the most emblematic attractions of the city.
The statue is an impressive equestrian monument located in Mio Cid Square, next to the St. Paul Bridge, which crosses the Arlanzón river, in the heart of Burgos. It was the work of the famous sculptor Juan Cristóbal González Quesada and was inaugurated in 1955. The statue is one of seven monuments in honour of El Cid worldwide.
With a height of four meters and cast in bronze, the statue is highly symbolic, representing El Cid on Babieca, his famous horse. He is brandishing Tizona, his famous sword, in his right hand and crossing the Arlanzón river, ready to face exile.
To complete the majesty of the monument, González Quesada placed it on a solid limestone and granite pedestal five meters high on which are inscribed texts relating to the life, work and death of El Cid, as well as the heraldic symbols of Burgos and Castile.
The statue completes the so-called “Ciclo Cidiano”, made up of eight sculptures by Joaquín Lucarini of the most intimate characters and those close to El Cid, distributed along the St. Paul Bridge.
As anecdotal information, the foundation stone of this impressive monument was placed by Alfonso XIII in 1905, though not until 1947 did the final steps for its construction begin. The state inauguration in 1955 was attended by Francisco Franco and was accompanied by an honour parade of the Armed Forces.
The statue is an impressive equestrian monument located in Mio Cid Square, next to the St. Paul Bridge, which crosses the Arlanzón river, in the heart of Burgos. It was the work of the famous sculptor Juan Cristóbal González Quesada and was inaugurated in 1955. The statue is one of seven monuments in honour of El Cid worldwide.
With a height of four meters and cast in bronze, the statue is highly symbolic, representing El Cid on Babieca, his famous horse. He is brandishing Tizona, his famous sword, in his right hand and crossing the Arlanzón river, ready to face exile.
To complete the majesty of the monument, González Quesada placed it on a solid limestone and granite pedestal five meters high on which are inscribed texts relating to the life, work and death of El Cid, as well as the heraldic symbols of Burgos and Castile.
The statue completes the so-called “Ciclo Cidiano”, made up of eight sculptures by Joaquín Lucarini of the most intimate characters and those close to El Cid, distributed along the St. Paul Bridge.
As anecdotal information, the foundation stone of this impressive monument was placed by Alfonso XIII in 1905, though not until 1947 did the final steps for its construction begin. The state inauguration in 1955 was attended by Francisco Franco and was accompanied by an honour parade of the Armed Forces.
Location
Civil Buildings in Burgos
Religious Buildings in Burgos
