Santa María la Mayor de Burgos

Advocación mariana de Burgos (Castilla y León)
✔ Recognized by the Church

Santa María la Mayor is the patron saint of Burgos and its archdiocese. Her title recalls the inscription that King Alfonso X the Wise placed as the motto of the cathedral in 1260: "This is the church dedicated to Santa María, the greatest of Castile."

Main data

Origin and history

Santa María la Mayor is the patron saint of Burgos and its archdiocese. Her title recalls the inscription that King Alfonso X the Wise placed as the motto of the cathedral in 1260: "This is the church dedicated to Santa María, the greatest of Castile."

The image and the sanctuary

It is venerated in Burgos Cathedral; the titular image, from the 15th century, has occupied the center of the main altarpiece since 1596, right under the Assumption of the Virgin carved by Juan de Anchieta.

Patronage and coronation

Patron saint of the Archdiocese of Burgos. No canonical coronation is recorded.

Celebration and devotion

Her feast day is celebrated on August 15, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, with the renewal of the city's vow. This devotion is a defining characteristic of the city.

Link with the Rosary

"The Greatest of Castile": in the most beautiful Gothic cathedral, Mary reigns as Mother; the Rosary is the inner cathedral, made of Hail Marys, where the soul crowns her every day.