Museo del Retablo
Diocesan museum in the Gothic church of San Esteban in Burgos, with altarpieces from the 15th to the 18th centuries, goldsmith's work and sculptures from churches of the archdiocese.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Archdiocese of Burgos has one of the most extensive religious heritages in Castilla y León, but the depopulation of many rural villages puts it at risk. To defend it, the Diocesan Commission for Cultural Heritage was created, to conserve, restore and display this legacy. The Museo del Retablo is the fruit of that work and brings together works from abandoned or ruined churches.
The museum is housed in the church of San Esteban, a Gothic church built between the 13th and 14th centuries on the hillside below the castle, which was damaged by the explosion that destroyed the fortress. It has three naves, a Gothic cloister and a choir by Simón de Colonia, dated 1502. In the central nave the symbolic path of Christian martyrdom is traced, and in the side naves the mystery of Christ and of Mary unfolds.
The collection includes altarpieces from the 15th to the 18th centuries, sculptures and prints. In the choir, goldsmith's work is displayed, mainly crosses, chalices and pyxes, presided over by a 16th-century Flemish triptych by Ambrosius Benson, from the church of San Cosme y San Damián in Burgos.
Highlights
- Altarpieces from the 15th to the 18th centuries from churches throughout the diocese
- Gothic church of San Esteban, 13th–14th centuries, with a Gothic cloister
- Choir by Simón de Colonia, 1502
- Goldsmith's work with crosses, chalices and pyxes
- Flemish triptych by Ambrosius Benson, 16th century
Permanent exhibitions
- Retablos – Altarpieces from the 15th to the 18th centuries from churches of the archdiocese, arranged along the naves of San Esteban.
- Orfebrería – Crosses, chalices and pyxes displayed in the choir, presided over by a Flemish triptych by Ambrosius Benson.
- Founded
- 1993
- Operated by
- Archidiócesis de Burgos
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
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| Reduced | €2 |
| Combined ticket for San Nicolás, San Gil and San Esteban | €7Price as stated on the Castilla y León tourism portal. |
| Tourist bracelet | €13Price published on the museum's website. |
Free admission: Tuesday afternoons
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Not all spaces are adapted: there is a lift and some steps are overcome by ramps, but the Abelenda room and the choir cannot be reached.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The church has toilets.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Tickets are bought at the church itself or online. The museum's website offers a web app and educational videos. |
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