The Church of San Gil Abad, located in the historic heart of Burgos, is a monument that combines the grandeur of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque art. This church, which has served as a parish since time immemorial, stands as a living testament to the city’s rich history and profound religious devotion.
History and Architecture
The existence of a temple dedicated to San Gil dates back to the 12th century, as mentioned in a papal bull by Pope Alexander III. However, the current structure is a Gothic masterpiece from the 14th century, with modifications and additions made in subsequent centuries. The church is attached to the city’s walls and one of its 12 gates, the Arch of San Gil, which lends it an austere exterior that contrasts with the richness of its interior.
Access to the church is through a staircase built in 1834, leading to a simple pointed door adorned with three sculptures of the Virgin and two saints. Above the door, a large rosette window with an eight-pointed star opens up. The church features three aisles, with the central one being higher and wider, and a transept with five sections leading to the chapels of the apse.
Chapels and Works of Art
The Church of San Gil Abad houses several chapels of great artistic and religious interest. Among them, the Nativity Chapel takes center stage.
The Nativity Chapel
Built in 1529 for the de Castro family, this chapel, possibly the work of master Juan de Matienzo, boasts a spectacular star-studded vault with a central pierced tracery circle.
The Chapel of the Holy Christ
Located at the northern end of the transept, this chapel, built in 1563 for the canon Pedro de Encinas, houses one of the most deeply rooted devotions among the people of Burgos: the image of the Holy Christ.
The Chapel of the Buena Mañana (Good Morning)
Also known as the Chapel of the Kings, it is another prominent space within the church. This chapel houses a Renaissance altarpiece dedicated to the Three Wise Men, a masterpiece by Simón de Colonia and his son Francisco. Dating back to the 16th century, this altarpiece is one of the church’s jewels, displaying the Adoration of the Kings as its central scene.
The Chapel of the Burgos
Nowadays, it serves as a museum within the temple, containing highly interesting pieces. Among them, there are two Hispano-Flemish oil paintings on wood panels from the 15th century depicting the founders of the chapel, Juan García de Burgos and Constanza García. Additionally, the chapel houses a collection of ecclesiastical vestments from the 14th to the 16th centuries and an anonymous Romanesque statue of the Virgin.
The Chapels of Our Lady of Lourdes and of Sorrows
The former, also known as the Chapel of Perpetual Help, is dedicated to the Virgin and stands out for the 18th-century paintings by the Burgos artist Lorenzo Casares. The Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows, on the other hand, houses a 16th-century image by Gregorio Fernández and is an object of devotion during the Holy Week of Burgos.
Artworks
In addition to the chapels, the church preserves a rich collection of artworks, including sepulchers, sculptural altarpieces, and Gothic panel paintings. Visitors can also admire two paintings by the Flemish artist Gerardo David and the baptismal font where Diego Luis de San Vítores was baptized.
The Church Today
Today, the Church of San Gil Abad continues to be a place of worship and devotion. It serves as the headquarters for various brotherhoods and regularly holds catechesis, liturgical celebrations, and acts of charity. Through these activities, the church fulfills its mission of keeping the faith and traditions of its faithful alive.
In summary, the Church of San Gil Abad is a treasure of Burgos that combines history, art, and devotion in one place. Its rich architecture and collection of artworks make it an essential destination for any visitor.
The Church of San Gil Abad is a monument of great historical and artistic value. Its Gothic architecture, chapels filled with artworks, and role as a place of worship and devotion make it a point of reference in the city of Burgos. Whether for its history, beauty, or spirituality, the Church of San Gil Abad is a place that deserves to be visited and appreciated.
