The Municipal House of Burgos, also known as the Burgos City Hall, is a symbolic monument nestled in the city’s Grand Plaza. This neoclassical structure, whose construction was initiated in the waning years of the 18th century, is an architectural marvel that punctuates the urban panorama of Burgos.
Chronicle of the Burgos City Hall
The erection of the Municipal House commenced on the site formerly known as the Carretas gate. The architect entrusted with its design was Fernando González de Lara, a distinguished Spanish sculptor and architect who also contributed to several undertakings in the Burgos Cathedral. The stone employed for its construction was procured from Hontoria de la Cantera, a stone traditionally utilized in the magnificent edifices of Burgos.
The edifice of Burgos City Hall, was unveiled on the 17th of July, 1791, etching a significant milestone in the annals of the city. Prior to its construction, the assemblies of the Burgos council were convened in the cathedral and the arch of Santa Maria. With the inauguration of the Municipal House, the assemblies were relocated to this newly minted and majestic edifice.
Fernando González de Lara: The Mastermind Behind the Municipal House
Fernando González de Lara, birthed in Ciadoncha in 1724 and expired in Burgos in 1796, was the architect entrusted with the design of the Municipal House. He honed his skills in Valladolid and fashioned the principal altarpiece of the Church of the Savior. Nonetheless, by the twilight of the 1850s, he had already established his presence in Burgos, the city where the majority of his illustrious career would unfold.
González de Lara commanded immense respect as a sculptor and, predominantly, as an architect. From 1772, he held the honorary architect position at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando and, commencing from 1777, he was recognized as an academic architect of distinction. Despite his triumphs, his twilight years were marred by a diminishing prestige. He met his end in blindness and financial hardship, yet his legacy persists in the Municipal House and other architectural marvels in Burgos.
Architecture and Design
The Burgos City Hall, is a structure of neoclassical persuasion, distinguished by its understated elegance and simplicity. The facade of the edifice is buttressed by six colossal columns and boasts a spacious portico with three grand arches that bridge the Main Square with the renowned Espolón promenade.
The Burgos City Hall, comprises two levels adorned with balconies and two towers at its extremities, each housing a clock. The two levels are surmounted by a balustrade, at the center of which the city’s coat of arms is prominently displayed. The towers culminate in wrought iron spires, lending a unique flair to the overall design.
The Historic Floods of Burgos: A Memory in the Columns of the Burgos City Hall
Floods have been part of the history of Burgos, a city that has witnessed the waters of its rivers exceeding their limits on several occasions. Two of these floods, those of 1874 and 1930, have left a visible trace on the city’s Municipal House, in the form of red marks on its columns.
The Floods of 1874 and 1930
The red marks on the columns of the Burgos City Hall, indicate the level the water reached during the floods of 1874 and 1930. These floods, caused by the overflow of the Arlanzón River, inundated homes, streets, and squares, causing significant damage to the city.
The flood of 1874 was particularly severe. The water reached a height of 2.75 meters in the Main Square, and trenches had to be opened in the Espolón Promenade to drain the water towards the Arlanzón River.
The flood of 1930, on the other hand, originated after a heavy storm that raised the levels of the Arlanzón, Pico, and Vena rivers. The water flooded streets, squares, and premises in the city center, but also entire plots on the outskirts and areas of the Villímar neighborhood. The water level reached 1.78 meters in height in the Main Square.
Subsequent Interventions
Following the floods of 1874 and 1930, several interventions were carried out to prevent future floods. The Pico and Vena rivers were channeled, some streets were widened to prevent their collapse, and two reservoirs were built on the Arlanzón River, the Arlanzón Reservoir in 1933 and the Úzquiza Reservoir in 1989.
These interventions have been effective, and since 1930, no floods as damaging have recurred in Burgos. However, the red marks on the columns of the Municipal House remain a reminder of the city’s historic floods.
The floods of 1874 and 1930 are part of the history of Burgos, a history that is marked on the columns of the Municipal House. These red marks are a reminder of the floods that once ravaged the city, but they are also a testament to Burgos’ ability to recover and adapt to the challenges posed by nature.
Cultural Importance
The Municipal House is not just an administrative building, but also a place of celebration for the city’s most important events. From its balconies, events such as the start of the San Pedro festivities, carnivals, and sports victories are proclaimed.
In addition, the building houses several works of art, including paintings and goldsmithing, which have been restored and preserved over the years. These works of art add additional cultural value to the Municipal House, making it a true treasure of Burgos.
The Municipal House Today
Today, the Municipal House continues to serve as the hub of municipal administration in Burgos. Here, city council meetings are held and decisions affecting the daily lives of the city’s inhabitants are made. But beyond its administrative function, the Municipal House has also become a point of tourist interest.
The Municipal House and the Urban Renewal of Burgos
The construction of the Municipal House marked the onset of urban renewal in Burgos. The opening of the building in 1791 signified a shift in the way urban space was utilized in the city. The Main Square became a hub of activity, with the Municipal House as its centerpiece.
This process of urban renewal continued in the ensuing centuries, with the construction of new buildings and the enhancement of existing infrastructure. However, despite these changes, the Municipal House has retained its significance and continues to serve as a landmark in the city.
The Municipal House of Burgos is a testament to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Its neoclassical architecture, its location in the Main Square, and its role in the city’s life make it a monument worth visiting. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply enjoying the beauty of Burgos, the Municipal House is a destination not to be missed.
