A trip to the Sierra de Atapuerca
- Position
- Burgos province
- Type of route
- Weekend
This is the world’s most important archaeological site in terms of discoveries regarding human evolution. Atapuerca takes visitors on a thrilling journey taking them back millions of years in order to learn more about the lives of our ancestors.
The Pilgrims’ Route to Santiago is a good starting point, visiting the Monastery of San Juan de Ortega before continuing along the former mining railway line in La Demanda Mountain Range. Following an extensive tour of the Atapuerca Archaeological Site, visitors can explore the surrounding municipalities before ending their route in the city of Burgos, strolling around the streets filled with history.
This route also includes the following sites of interest: in Burgos, the Castle Museum, the Museum of Human Evolution and Burgos Cathedral; in Villafranca Montes de Oca, the Parish Church of Santiago, San Antonio Abad Hospital and the Chapel of La Virgen de Oca; and in Ibeas de Juarros, the Emiliano Aguirre Archaeology Centre.
Image gallery
What to see?
AtapuercaMore informationAn essential trip to know and understand the evolution of humans. Discover the most important archaeological remains of the Iberian Peninsula, which were found during the construction of a train line in...
Parish Church of SantiagoMore informationChurch of the late XVIII century; inside keeps an interesting baroque carving of James the Apostle. Its dome of the style of La Rioja topping the tower is striking.
Hermitage of the Virgen de OcaMore informationFormer monsatery from the 12th century with traces of previous buildings. Spiritual centre housing the Virgen de Oca. Nearby is the San Indalecio well, where, according to tradition, the saint performed...
Hospital of San Antonio AbadMore informationHospital founded in the XIV century. After its portal of the XV and XVI centuries is the courtyard with rests of the XV century.It was founded by Juana Manuel, Queen of Castilla, in 1380. It was an important...
Monastery of San Juan de OrtegaMore informationIn the 12th century, San Juan de Ortega (Juan de Quintanaortuño), a disciple of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, devoted himself to repairing the path for pilgrims and founded the monastery to provide accommodation...
Museum of the Human EvolutionMore informationThe Museum of Human Evolution houses the findings from the archaeological sites in the Atapuerca mountain range, a World Heritage Site, offering an insight into the mystery of the origins of man and evolution....
Museum of the Castle of BurgosMore informationThis museum gets visitors close to the history of Burgos through its castle, from the IX century and restored after several years of works. You can contemplate its wall; walk the parade ground or underground...
Burgos CathedralMore informationGet to know one of the masterpieces of Gothic architecture and the most emblematic monument of the city of Burgos. The slender Cathedral of Santa María in the Castilian city has been astonishing residents,...