The province of Burgos is one of the main stops on the Road to Santiago in the Iberian Peninsula. Its strategic geographical situation made it a necessary path for millions of European pilgrims who came from their countries of origin in the search of the tomb of the Apostle Santiago.
Throughout the 114 kilometers that crosses its territory, astonishing displays of heritage come one after another, as well as an unmatched natural beauty, in which alternate plains, mountains, valleys and moors, which has deserved being declared a site of World Heritage by UNESCO.
Every village, which is crossed by the 114 kilometers from the French Road to Santiago through Burgos province, maintains its past trace. Redecilla del Camino, Belorado, Villafranca Montes de Oca, San Juan de Ortega, la ciudad de Burgos, San Antón y Castrojeriz are the main landmarks.
Since medieval times, the Road to Santiago has become not only a cultural and artistic spreading path, but also a very important engine for the local economy along the Road; during the last years of the 20th Century and in the 21 first century the Road has become an opportunity for new entrepreneurship in small villages.
Lectures
- El Camino de Santiago. From Middle Ages to Now. Prof. David Nicholas Scott Peterson
In this course we will look into the origins, development, medieval heyday and subsequent decline of the historical and cultural phenomenon which is St James' Way. Its obscure early medieval origins were in all probability tied in with the political interests of the Asturian monarchy, but what is undeniable is the importance the pilgrimage to Santiago soon developed, widely documented across different medieval sources, and cited for example by Chaucer, a clear indication of its international appeal. However, it then fell into decline during the early modern period, leaving it almost extinct, before a resurgence in the last half century. Of all the great medieval pilgrim routes it is the most popular today, and so is simultaneously a fascinating object for historical research and a very alive social phenomenon.
- Architecture along the Camino. Laura Judith Atas Ortega
The capital importance that the Way of St. James has enjoyed since the Middle Ages throughout the Western Christianity has led to the creation of important architectural works and artistic pieces. During the Middle Ages, the great influx of pilgrims led to the construction of important temples along the entire route to Santiago de Compostela and of a network of facilities to meet the needs of the travellers: hospitals, roads, bridges... The importance of these works can be seen in their durability and their association with this important pilgrimage route.
- Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Rura Areas 1. Prof. María Sonia Marcos Naveira
This session will analyse the current situation of rural areas in Castilla y León and the rest of rural Spain, focusing on rural challenges such as the low GDP per capita (high unemployment, low waves), the rapid ageing of the population and the lack of accessibility to goods and services that cause a continuous process of depopulation. However, they are also areas with opportunities for entrepreneurship. This session will address the keys to sustainable rural entrepreneurship and explain the Business Model Canvas methodology.
- Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas 2. Prof. Clara Pérez Cornejo
In this workshop, the concepts seen in the session "Sustainable Entrepreneurship in the Rural Areas" will be applied to specific ideas for entrepreneurship in rural areas. Students will develop their ideas and present them to their colleagues.
CULTURAL AND TECHNICAL VISITS
- City tour.
Friday, May 3rd from 05:30 pm to 06:30 pm with Almudena Vicario Torres; and after the tour we will visit the City Hostel for Pilgrims.
- Carthusian Monastery of Miraflores.
Saturday, May 4th from 11:30 am to 12:30 am with Rosalía López Murillo.
- Quinta de San Francisco Hotel, Castrojeriz.
May 4th from 06:30 pm to 07:00 pm.
- Archaeological sites of Atapuerca.
Sunday, May 5th from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.
- Palaeolithic Park tour.
Sunday, May 5th from 12:30 am to 02:30 pm.
- Guided visit to rural business and talk on rural development in a small village from the Camino, Agés.
Sunday, May 5th after lunch.
- Hospital del Rey, Medieval hospital for pilgrims and current University headquarters.
Monday, 6th from 10:15 am to 11:00 am with Prof. Laura Atas.
- Royal Monastery of Las Huelgas.
Tuesday, May 7th from 10:45 to 12:00 with Gloria.
- Burgos Gothic Cathedral.
Tuesday, May 7th from 05:00 pm to 06:30 pm with Prof. Javier Garabito.
PILGRIMAGE TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
- Wednesday, May 8th
- Thursday, May 9th
- Friday, May 10th
- Saturday, May 11th
- Sunday, May 12th