El Burgo de Osma - Ciudad de Osma (Soria)
The origins of this village -today integrated by the urban nuclei of Osma and Burgo of Osma- go back to the Celtiberian and Roman city of Uxama - Argelae, mentioned, among other classic historians, by Plinio. In the 8th century the Arabs took the city and built a watchtower. Uxama was gradually abandoned and, in parallel, the urban nucleus of Osma, adjacent to the old Uxama, was created. At the same time, on the hill next to Uxama, the current castle was built between the 10th and 11th centuries. In these centuries Osma suffered the ups and downs of its strategic situation in the Douro river, with the alternative domain of Muslims and Christians, until the year 1088, when Alfonso VI ordered its repopulation.
There is no documented evidence of the presence of el Cid in Osma, although it can not be ruled out as he was warden of the neighboring Gormaz. On the other hand, El Cantar cites the neighbor Alcubilla del Marqués, to the west, and Navapalos, south of Osma, at 6 and 11 km respectively.
The creation of the Borough of Osma (Burgo de Osma) takes place in 1101, when Bishop Pedro de Burges, beatified as San Pedro de Osma, ordered to build a cathedral in the outskirts of Osma, around which the current urban nucleus will be created.
What you can see and do in El Burgo de Osma
Burgo de Osma is a city of monuments with well-reputed gastronomy and an episcopal see since the 6th century. Its importance is shown by the fact that it had a university (University of Santa Catalina) in the 16th century. This is reflected by the large number of mansions and religious buildings. It is well worth strolling through its streets and across its walls to the well-cared for banks of the River Ucero, although we’ll first stop in its lovely porticoed main square.
Of the many buildings in the city, the most striking is undoubtedly the impressive bell tower of the Cathedral of the Assumption. Although the current building is predominantly Gothic, this cathedral was built over a previous Romanesque one that was partly demolished in 1232 and of which the chapter house and some stretches of wall with beautiful capitals are still preserved. The Romanesque sculpture of the Holy Christ of the Miracle, the Gothic painted stone sepulchre of St Peter of Osma and the Renaissance main altar by Juan de Juni and Juan Picardo are other outstanding works awaiting visitors to the cathedral.
You also should not miss
- Among its many treasures, the Gothic cathedral possesses a manuscript beatus written by the priest Pedro and illustrated by Martino in 1086, regarded as one of the most valuable 11th century codices. This beatus contains a map of the world that reflects very well the spiritual geography in that time. This world map was apparently painted in 1086, during the reign of Alfonso VI. The original beatus is not on public display for security reasons, but visitors will be able to discover at first hand some of the curiosities in the passionate history of this book.
- The walk along the river allows visitors to see on its left bank the old castle and part of the old walls, such as the Water Tower. Directly opposite, the Uxama watchtower calls the attention of travellers wishing to see the Celtiberian and Roman site of the same name, the most important such site that can be visited on our route.
Rev.: JGG 16.09.21
Información práctica
- Ayuntamiento: Plaza Mayor, 9 (42300)
- Teléfono: 975 340 107
- Correo electrónico: alcaldia@burgosma.es
- Web: www.burgodeosma.com
- Habitantes: 3527
- Altitud: 980 m.