Burgos, city in northern Spain, capital of Burgos Province, in Castile-León, on the Arlanzón River. Burgos consists of the old town, on the western bank of the Arlanzón, and a modern district on the eastern bank, connected by several bridges. Wool and farm products are the main commercial commodities. Chief industries include the manufacture of woolen and leather goods, candy, paper, and chemicals. The Cathedral of Burgos, begun in 1221 and completed in 1567, is the best example of Gothic architecture in Spain. Built of white limestone in the form of a Latin cross, it contains the tombs of Fernán González and El Cid, national heroes during the period of Moorish rule between the 8th and 11th centuries.

Founded in the 9th century, Burgos was the capital of the kingdom of Castile and León from 1035 until 1560, when Madrid became the capital of all Spain. It became an episcopal see in 1074 and an archiepiscopal see in 1574. The city was the commercial center of Castile during the 15th century, but thereafter its prosperity declined. In 1833 it became the capital of the province. During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Burgos was the seat of the Nationalist government of Francisco Franco until the capture of Madrid at the end of the war. In 1994 two scientists discovered bone fragments and stone tools in a cave called Gran Dolina in the mountains near Burgos. The finds were estimated to be more than 780,000 years old, making it the oldest hominid site in Europe. Population (2006 estimate) 173,676.