The river parks in Burgos1 lie on either side of the River Arlanzon which flows through the centre of the city. There are always people walking on the paved ways above the river, and along the river banks. At times it is hard to believe you are in the centre of a busy town and it makes me regret that there is nothing similar on the south east side of the Thames in London. In Greenwich and Woolwich buildings crowd up against the river walls, affording expensive views. We are offered the Thames Path and ‘river walkways’ but they do not compare.
I only walked through some of the parks, this time and the time before – there are several more and they all have names. My simplified version follows!
Alongside the N120
The N120 is a main road heading east out of the city and here the river parks in Burgos, as in the photographs, are below road level, pleasant green walks but also, no doubt, flood plains when needed.
Paseo Espolon
The Paseo Espolon dates from the end of the 18th century! And it is here that people stroll in the early evening, or visit a cafe, before going home for dinner anytime after 9.00pm, or so. There are always people walking here…
It was built on the line of the old city walls, outside the walls and above the river.
These plane trees were planted at the beginning of the 20th century and pruned to create ‘shade umbrellas’ as a protection from the heat. Burgos was very cold during our stay so it didn’t apply.
The college dates from 1538-79 and has always been dedicated to teaching. The Cardinal came from a noble family – he was the grandson of the Constables buried in the Chapel of the same name in the Cathedral. His aim appears to have been to train good priests who would be able to help the poorest people in the diocese.
Park de las Islas, one of the river parks in Burgos
This park was made towards the end of the 19th century, and it heads westwards, out of the town. The park is paved, with statues and a children’s playground, and above the level of the river.
The Colonial Fountain dates from the 17th century and came from the Monastery old San Pedro de Arlanza.
There are also splashes of colour, although the main emphasis of the park is peace, shade and trees.
But you can also walk along the river banks, and here it is hard to believe you are in the middle of a busy city.
The parks and walks along the river are a delight and truly enhance the city. It was good to walk out of the flat, across the Cathedral Square and into the green.
restlessjo
It looks wonderful, Candy xx
Candy Blackham
The river area is very lovely – London really has missed a trick!