The construction of the
cathedral was ordered by King Ferdinand III of Castile and Mauricio, the English-born Bishop of
Burgos. Construction started on the site of the former Romanesque
cathedral on July 20, 1221, beginning at the chevet, which was completed in nine years. The high altar was first consecrated in 1260, then there was a lengthy hiatus of almost 200 years before construction was recommenced. The
cathedral was completed in 1567, with the completion of the lantern spire over the main crossing (which rises above a delicate openwork star vault).
