The Solar of the Cid is a historical monument located on Fernán González Street. It stands at the foot of the Burgos Castle, an area that was the most populous in the city during the time of the Cid. Today, it is a highly visited site as it is part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
History and Legend
This monument commemorates the place where, according to oral tradition, the ancestral home of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, better known as El Cid Campeador, was located. Although it cannot be confirmed with certainty whether El Cid actually lived in this place, the legend has persisted through the centuries, supported by certain historical documents.
The Solar of the Cid was constructed in 1784 by the artist José Cortés. The monument consists of three monoliths made of stone brought from Hontoria de la Cantera, a nearby village to Burgos. In the central monolith, the coat of arms of El Cid and an inscription recounting his birth and death can be found. To its right, the coat of arms of the city of Burgos can be seen, while to its left, the coat of arms of the San Pedro de Cardeña monastery is displayed.
Inscription
AT THIS SITE, RODRIGO DÍAZ DE VIVAR, KNOWN AS EL CID CAMPEADOR, HAD HIS HOME AND WAS BORN IN THE YEAR 1026. HE DIED IN VALENCIA IN 1099, AND HIS BODY WAS LATER TRANSFERRED TO THE MONASTERY OF SAN PEDRO DE CARDEÑA NEAR THIS CITY. TO PERPETUATE THE MEMORY OF SUCH A DISTINGUISHED LINEAGE OF HIS SON AND A BURGOS HERO, THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED UPON THE ANCIENT RUINS IN THE YEAR 1784 DURING THE REIGN OF KING CHARLES III.
Archaeological Discoveries
Between 2017 and 2019, three campaigns of archaeological excavations were carried out at the Solar of the Cid. The objective was to investigate whether remnants of the Cid’s dwelling could be found beneath the monument. However, instead of the Cid’s house, the remains of a porticoed dwelling measuring around 180 square meters were discovered. This structure was built in the 13th or 14th centuries, several centuries after the death of Rodrigo Díaz.
These rooms, constructed with stone and gypsum, include a courtyard with a well and an adobe oven. It is believed that these spaces may have been used for artisanal activities, possibly related to metallurgy.
Additionally, several storage pits were found in the geological substrate, which were used for food storage. These pits, possibly dating back to the 11th century, were later repurposed as garbage pits, providing a rich source of archaeological material, including ceramic objects and animal bones.
In one corner of the site, a rock structure was discovered that predated the documented dwellings. This finding, which could be part of a defensive structure such as a tower or a wall, is one of the most intriguing aspects of the excavation.
Implications of the Discovery
These archaeological findings offer a new perspective on life in Burgos in past centuries. Through the study of the collected archaeological material, researchers hope to expand our knowledge of the daily lives of the people of Burgos in bygone eras.
Moreover, these discoveries have great potential for tourism. Since the archaeological work began, there has been significant interest from the public in learning about the emerging vestiges. Many individuals and groups, including schools, institutes, and civic centers, have visited the Solar del Cid with great interest.
The Mystery of the Solar of The Cid
Despite the archaeological excavations carried out at the site, it has not been definitively confirmed whether El Cid actually lived in this location. However, remains of structures from the time of El Cid have been discovered, confirming the existence of a dwelling at that site during his era.
Conclusion
The Solar of the Cid is a monument that evokes the legend of one of Spain’s most iconic figures. Although the actual residency of El Cid in this location cannot be confirmed, the monument and its history continue to attract visitors from around the world, who marvel at the prospect of standing in the very place where this legendary hero may have once lived.
