Regino Sainz de la Maza

Regino Sainz de la Maza is a monument in Burgos honouring one of the city's most celebrated sons — a classical guitarist and composer whose name is also carried by a nearby square and promenade.

Who was Regino Sainz de la Maza?

Regino Sainz de la Maza was born in Burgos on 7 September 1896, at Plaza Mayor no. 31, and died in Madrid on 26 November 1981. He began studying guitar at the age of ten and gave his first public concert at eighteen, at the Teatro Arriaga in Bilbao. His Madrid debut followed in 1920 at the Teatro Lara, and he went on to tour South America twice, receiving a gold medal from the National University of Buenos Aires in 1921.

His lasting fame rests on a single evening: on 9 November 1940, in Barcelona, he gave the world premiere of Joaquín Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez," now one of the best-known works in the guitar repertoire. From 1935 he held the guitar professorship at the Madrid Conservatory, and from 1938 he also wrote as a music critic for the newspaper ABC. In 1955 he published the essay "La Guitarra y su historia," and in 1958 he became the first guitarist ever admitted to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando — a milestone that helped cement the guitar's status as a serious concert instrument.

What is his connection to Burgos?

Although his career unfolded mainly in Madrid, Sainz de la Maza kept close ties to his birthplace throughout his life. In 1967 Burgos named him a Favourite Son of the city (Hijo Predilecto), and on 9 July 1979 he gave his final concert here, at the Church of San Nicolás de Bari. The city still keeps his memory alive: a square (Plaza de Regino Sáinz de la Maza) and a promenade (Paseo Regino Sainz de la Maza) bear his name, and a monument dedicated to him was unveiled in the early 1980s.

What will you see at the monument?

The monument is a modest but meaningful tribute — a stopping point where visitors can pause and recall the story of the musician who helped bring the classical guitar into Europe's most prestigious concert halls and academies. It sits naturally within a walk through historic Burgos, tied to the square and promenade that share his name nearby.

How to get there and when to visit?

The monument stands within the city of Burgos, close to the public spaces named after the guitarist, so it is easiest to reach on foot while exploring the centre. Burgos has good train and bus connections to Madrid and other cities in northern Spain, making it a convenient stop on a wider itinerary. The site can be visited in any season and any weather, working well as a short addition to a longer walk toward the cathedral or the old town.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Regino Sainz de la Maza? A Spanish classical guitarist and composer born in Burgos in 1896, best known for premiering Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez" in 1940.

Why did Burgos build a monument to him? He is one of the city's most important native artists, named Favourite Son of Burgos in 1967, and he remained connected to the city throughout his life.

What else in Burgos carries his name? A square (Plaza de Regino Sáinz de la Maza) and a promenade (Paseo Regino Sainz de la Maza), both near the monument.

How long does a visit take? Just a few minutes — enough to see the monument and read about the artist — making it an easy addition to a longer stroll through the city.