The archeological site of Atapuerca , around 15km west of Burgos, has long excited students of early human history. But archeologists made their greatest discovery here in July 2007 when they uncovered a jawbone and teeth of what is believed to be the oldest-known European: 1.2 million years old, some 500,000 years older than any other remains discovered in Western Europe. A Unesco World Heritage–listed site and still under excavation, the site is open to visitors with advance reservations.
Ceramics, cave paintings, carvings and burial sites have been discovered here, as well as remains of occupation in the area by homosapiens around 40,000 years ago, human settlements from the Neolithic age and evidence of cannibalism. There’s a diverse programme of courses and study groups for adults, students and children (in Spanish).
