Covarrubias, what to see in Burgos' most beautiful village with half-timbered houses

One of the most special places that you can visit in the Burgos province es Covarrubias, known as the birthplace of Castile.

It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful towns and with more history of the Burgos province.

A place where human beings have been settling for millions of years, since since Paleolithic Each and every one of the civilizations of the Iberian Peninsula have passed through, with Roman and Visigoth settlements, as can be seen in its almost extinct wall.

Traditional Castilian architecture in Covarrubias

Covarrubias Now it is a town that stands out above all for its traditional half-timbered house architecture built with structures of wood and adobe.

An ideal town to visit as it is full of interesting places.

On our travels through Europe, we have always been captivated, for example, by the charm of the medieval towns in britain.

In many towns or small cities such as, for example, Y o Canterbury, history springs from every corner and its monuments are enhanced by the beauty of the architecture of their houses.

En SpainOf course, there are many charming towns, which also show great architectural diversity (an Andalusian town is not the same as a Castilian one).

But years ago there were really few that were well preserved, especially in comparison with those mentioned above. towns of england or from other European countries, such as the very pretty towns in the south of France.

This is Covarrubias, a beautiful town in Burgos.

Covarrubias, which you find 40 kilometers southeast of Burgos, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

And the truth is that during your visit it will largely remind you of the aforementioned English or French medieval towns.

Covarrubias It contains a charm that well justifies even a getaway from Madrid. even if it's just to eat and spend a day, as it is an ideal town for a quiet walk.

You just have to park your car at the entrance to move around, walking through its different streets and squares, discovering beautiful corners that are a good example of the Castilian rural architecture.

White facades and wooden frames, well cared for, which form a set of great beauty.

Curiosities of the history of Covarrubias

But in addition to traditional architecture, you should know that Covarrubias has a long history with vestiges dating back to long before the presence of the Romans.

But it was the Visigoth king Chindasvinto who in the 7th century built the wall and the primitive Church of San Cosme and San Damiano, which in the 15th century was rebuilt with Gothic architecture.

From that time around Covarrubias you can also find two old Visigothic hermitagesThat of Quintanilla de las Viñas y Market Barbadillo.

But its history is above all marked by the figure of Fernan Gonzalez, who was the unifier of Castile during the Reconquest of the Saracen occupation.

And it's with his son Garcia Fernandez when in the year 978 the Infantado of Covarrubias, which for 200 years was ruled by the Infantas of Castile.

This is the experience of visiting Covarrubias, the best thing to see

Tras Our experience visiting Covarrubias on several occasions, below we will detail what they are most interesting places to see and what to do.

Fernán González Tower 

On your walk you will find a plaque tribute to the founders of Covarrubias, among them, the Visigoth king Chindasvinto (year 673) and the aforementioned Count Fernan Gonzalez (970)

You will arrive at the beautiful corner of the imposing Fernán González Tower, defensive tower from the 10th century, the oldest preserved in Castile, in front of which is a beautiful 16th century transept.

You can visit this tower and inside you can see a exhibition of siege weapons from the Middle Ages, and here you can consult schedules and ticket prices.

Former Collegiate Church of San Cosme and San Damián 

Behind it you will see the beautiful façade of the former Collegiate Church of San Cosme and San Damiano, next to the promenade that runs along the shore of the Arlanza River.

It is a 15th century building, with three naves, four chapels, a cloister and a 16th century organ, the oldest still in operation in Castile.

When visiting the interior of the old collegiate church you can see the cloister, the museum and the triptych of the Adoration of the Kings, from the 15th century.

In the presbytery, next to the High altar, you can find tomb of Fernan Gonzalez, and next to the epistle is the early christian roman sarcophagus from the 4th century that was reused as his wife's tomb Doña Sancha of Pamplona.

Here you can consult the Visiting hours of the former Collegiate Church of San Cosme and San Damián in Covarrubias.

On Mondays it is closed for visits.

Monument to Princess Kristina of Norway

In front of the collegiate church you can see the Princess K monumentristina from norway, who arrived in Spain in the year 1257 to marry the infant Don Felipe, brother of King Alfonso X the Wise.

In the cloister of the old collegiate church is the sarcophagus where the remains of Princess Kristina rest.

Old wall of Covarrubias

From Wall which in the 10th century the Visigoths built on a previous Roman structure, you can still see a large section restored to the south of the town, on the banks of the Arlanza River.

In the 16th century the wall was demolished in order to alleviate the pestilence that was in the town due to cholera.

House of Doña Sancha 

Among the half-timbered houses that you will be able to see on your walk through this Castilian town, is the icon of the traditional architecture of the Covarrubias town.

It is known as the House of Doña Sancha, from the 15th century, with its adobe facade and the classic half-timbered.

Church of Santo Tomas

Another church worth highlighting in Covarrubias is that of St Thomas, originally built in the 12th century, although the building we see now is from the 16th century.

Inside there is a plateresque staircase, the great artistic jewel of the church, as well as its Romanesque baptismal font, six altarpieces and the 18th century organ.

Covarrubias Town Hall Square

The town also has a typical Town Hall square, where the characteristic aesthetics of the half-timbered houses.

Book Museum in Covarrubias

And very close you can cross under the passage of the building of the Archive of the Adelantado of Castile, built in 1575 by someone who was a doctor of the king Philip II.

This building, located to the north of the town, will be your exit from the historic site or the entrance to it, and on the ground floor you will find the Tourist Office.

On the two upper floors you can visit a book museum, with outstanding reproductions, like those of the first codex in history.

Here you can consult the Visiting hours of the Libro de Covarrubias museum.

Hermitage of Saint Olav 

Three kilometers from Covarrubias you find a curious corner, the Hermitage of Saint Olav, a building built in the current 21st century as an “exotic” cultural space and north-south axis of Europe.

The original building has been architecturally based on the pre-Romanesque church of Santa Cristina de Lena, in Asturias.

And it has been historically inspired by the presence in Covarrubias seven centuries ago of the Princess Kristina of Norway, who wanted a church to be built in honor of the Norway pattern.

Where to eat in Covarrubias

For your getaway, we are going to recommend a special place, the Doña Sancha Tavern, which is located in one of the emblematic buildings of the town, the aforementioned House of Doña Sancha.

It is a recently opened establishment that offers, in addition to typical food and tapas from the area, DO Arlanza wines y craft beers.

Map: where Covarrubias is located and how to get there in Burgos

Covarrubias It is located half an hour by car south of the city of Burgos and just over two hours north of Madrid.

Photos of Covarrubias in Burgos

So that you can better appreciate the special charm of this medieval town in the province of Burgos, here you have more photos.