The Arch of Saint John embodies the rich history of the city, its cultural heritage, and its role as a sojourn point on the Way of Saint James. Throughout the centuries, the arch has stood witness to countless pilgrims passing through its doors on their journey towards Santiago de Compostela. In days past, travelers and goods from France, the Basque Country, and La Rioja entered the city through this very arch. Today, it continues to serve as a landmark for pilgrims arriving in Burgos.
The Arch of Saint John and the Camino de Santiago
The Arch of Saint John shares a unique bond with the Camino de Santiago, the renowned pilgrimage route that traverses Spain. For centuries, pilgrims have journeyed through the arch on their path to Santiago de Compostela. Presently, it remains a landmark for pilgrims, many of whom pause to capture a photograph or simply to admire its architectural splendor.
History and Architecture
The Arch of Saint John serves as a gateway in the ancient city wall of Burgos, constructed in the 13th century. It derives its name from the monastery of Saint John, situated directly opposite it. Over the centuries, the arch has undergone several renovations, the first in the 16th century and then in the 19th. Despite these modifications, the arch has retained its original design—a modest semicircular arch granting access to Saint John Street.
Virgin of the Rosary
On one side, one can behold the Virgin of the Rosary. According to legend, it is said that this site fell under her divine protection.
The Arch of Saint John in Everyday Life of Burgos
The Arch of Saint John is more than just a monument; it is an integral part of everyday life in Burgos. Saint John Street, beginning at the arch, is an authentically Jacobean medieval street, brimming with 19th and early 20th-century houses. These buildings, with their meticulously clad facades, cornices, moldings, and bay windows or galleries, stand as a testament to the nineteenth-century leisure culture in Burgos.
In the past, directly opposite the arch stood the Inn of Souls, a 24-hour hostel where nocturnal travelers could rest. Although the inn no longer exists, the history of this place continues to live on in the memory of Burgos residents.
Protection and Conservation of the Arch of Saint John
The Arch of Saint John is safeguarded by the Spanish Historical Heritage Act, Law 16/1985 of June 25. Despite renovations and modifications over the centuries, the arch has preserved its historical and architectural character. In the 21st century, both the building and the house that now sit atop the arch have been restored, ensuring that this historical monument continues to be an integral part of Burgos in the years to come.
