Burgos is the city of unhurried walks where almost every landmark can be accessed by foot. This is why the picturesque Epolon Promenade, which stretches along the Arlanzon River from St. Mary’s Arch to the Principal Theatre, has been one of the most popular places to relax ever since it was first established in the 18th century.
The name of the pedestrian alley means “dam” and this has to do with a special characteristic of the local bank. The thing is, in the olden days, this place was easily flooded by the Arlanzon's waters. Floods weren’t a rare occurrence, which is why during the creation and landscaping of the embankment they used special engineering constructions. Not only did they prevent frequent floodings of the alley, but also gave it a nickname that quickly caught on.
The stroll on Espolon Promenade can be compared to a visit to a real open-air Botanical garden. Plenty of various trees grow there. Centuries-old linden trees, branchy willows, lush chestnut trees, tall poplar trees… But the most memorable highlight in this variety of green plantations is the mighty sycamore trees. Their astonishing shapes and grandeur aren’t their only impressive features. Their intertwined branches form bushy vaults of green leaves shaped like a natural arch that offers a perfect escape from the sun when it's hot, and from rain when it’s gloomy. These unique trees, which have been embellishing Espolon Promenade ever since the early 20th century, attract the attention of each and every guest of the city. They are one of the most photographed attractions of Burgos.
Numerous architectural constructions, situated along the embankment, are another notable decoration. With the buildings that belong to different time periods, the pedestrian alley forms a distinct harmonious piece of the rich cityscape mosaic. Special attention needs to be paid to King Ferdinand Square and some of the buildings that surround it, such as the Consulate of the Sea building, designed by Manuel de Eraso, and the San Pablo gate and tower built in 1290.