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Archaeological site · Burgos, Castela e Leão
Yacimientos de la Sierra de Atapuerca
Prehistoric sites in the sierra of Atapuerca, about 15 km from Burgos, Patrimônio Mundial, with caves where some of the oldest human remains in Europe were found.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Yacimientos de la Sierra de Atapuerca
The Sierra de Atapuerca is a limestone ridge about 15 km east of Burgos, full of caves and fissures. At the end of the 19th century, the opening of a trench for a mining railway cut through the ridge and exposed deposits containing bones and tools. Systematic excavations began in the 1970s and continue to this day, every summer. The sites were declared a World Heritage Site in 2000.
The finds changed what was known about European prehistory. In the Gran Dolina remains over 800,000 years old were found, leading to the description of a new species, Homo antecessor. In the Sima de los Huesos, a deep pit, remains of dozens of individuals about 400,000 years old were discovered, linked to the ancestors of the Neanderthals. Even older remains were found in the Sima del Elefante.
The visit is guided and follows the trench of the old railway, where you can see the sections of the sites and, in summer, researchers at work. Nearby, the archaeological park displays reconstructions of huts and demonstrations of prehistoric techniques, such as making fire and knapping stone.
Visits depart from the reception centres in the villages of Atapuerca and Ibeas de Juarros, and on scheduled days there are buses that leave from the Museu da Evolução Humana in Burgos.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day, including transport, the visit to the sites and the archaeological park.
Best time
From April to October there are more time slots; in summer it is possible to see ongoing excavations. Visits are guided and have limited places; book in advance.
How to get there
It is about 15 km from Burgos, along the N-120. Visits depart from the reception centres of Atapuerca and Ibeas de Juarros; on scheduled days there are buses from the Museu da Evolução Humana.
Tip
Visit the Museu da Evolução Humana in Burgos first, and book the visit to the sites in advance, especially in summer.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Yacimientos de la Sierra de Atapuerca
What was found in Atapuerca?
Some of the oldest human remains in Europe, such as those of Homo antecessor, over 800,000 years old, and those from the Sima de los Huesos, about 400,000 years old.
How to visit Atapuerca from Burgos?
Guided visits depart from the reception centres of Atapuerca and Ibeas de Juarros, about 15 km away. On scheduled days there are buses from the Museu da Evolução Humana. Book in advance.
Can you see the excavations?
In summer, when researchers are working on the ridge, the visit usually goes by the sites with excavations in progress.