Arco de Santa María, Burgos

This ornate stone gateway marks the historic entrance to the old town of Burgos from the river, framing a view toward the spires of the Gothic cathedral. Remodelled in the sixteenth century as a triumphal arch, its facade is adorned with statues of legendary and historical figures linked to the city, including the medieval hero El Cid and the founding counts of Castile, arranged in tiered niches like a stone family tree. The upper chambers now host cultural exhibitions, and the arch remains a symbol of the former Castilian capital.