Sad Hill Cemetery from the film "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly", located in Santo Domingo de Silos, Burgos
Actualizado el
Near the historic Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos, an unexpected set was hidden in 1966: the cemetery where Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach faced off in the epic final sequence of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Today, among worn graves and cypresses, echoes the duel that defined modern westerns.
Where exactly is it located?
The “cemetery” from the film is not a real graveyard but a set built beside the Santo Domingo de Silos Abbey (Burgos). It was erected in a meadow 500 m from the monastery, using Romanesque architecture and autumnal landscape to add drama to the scene.
What can you see there today?
- Set remains: stone plinths and foundations of the false walls still protrude.
- Cypresses and oaks: originally planted trees framing the duel still stand.
- Views of the Monastery: the silhouette of Santo Domingo de Silos completes the cinematic frame.
- Interpretive panel: photos and explanations about the filming and locations.
How to get there and explore the cemetery?
- Start from the Monastery: an 800 m marked trail (15 min) through meadows and oak groves.
- Free access: no ticket or opening hours, but respect the environment and tranquility.
- Ideal to combine with a visit to the cloister and famous choir of monks.
When is the best time to go?
- Autumn: golden light enhances the western atmosphere.
- Spring: the meadow blooms and offers a green contrast.
- Avoid dense fog days to not lose the monastery’s silhouette.
Recommendations
- Wear sturdy footwear; terrain is uneven and can be slippery.
- Respect the set remains; do not climb on ruins.
- Combine with visits to the Monastery Museum and Romanesque cloister.
In short, this unique “movie cemetery” is a place where history, cinema, and landscape merge: a must-visit for film lovers and fans of Romanesque architecture in the Burgos plateau.
How to get there
Saliendo de Salas de los Infantes, se sigue la N-234 en dirección Burgos y se llega hasta Hortigüela. A partir del desvío hacia Covarrubias y después de 3,5 km, tras un tomar un desvío a la derecha de la carretera, se llega al lugar del rodaje de la batalla del puente de Langston.
Un km después se llega al monasterio de San Pedro de Arlanza, lugar de rodaje de la misión de San Antonio. En dirección a Covarrubias y justo antes de cruzar el segundo puente sobre el río Arlanza en Fuente Tubilla, debe tomarse el camino que surge a la derecha en dirección a Contreras, desde donde se toma la pista que lleva a Santo Domingo de Silos. Este camino conduce al cementerio de Sad Hill.? El Cementerio se encuentra a 2 km de la localidad de Contreras.
Decimal: 41.990556°, -3.408333°
DMS: 41°59'26" N, 3°24'30" O
