Atapuerca
A group of cave sites in the hills near Burgos where bones of some of the earliest known humans in Europe have been found. Excavations here have turned up remains spanning more than a million years, and visitors can tour the digs and a nearby museum.
- Where
- Burgos, Castile and León, Spain
- Grade
- UNESCO heritage
- Worth
- 10 points collected on site, plus 8 for its grade
- Coordinates
- 42.3501, -3.5195
Get the Atapuerca stamp
Open LOQAH when you are at Atapuerca. It checks where you are once, at that moment, and the stamp is yours: confirmed on site in gold and struck with the date. It goes into your Castile and León volume with your photos and a note.
Near Atapuerca
Burgos Cathedral 15 km
A Gothic cathedral begun in 1221, with lacy stone spires added in the 15th century. It holds the tomb of El Cid, the medieval Castilian hero, and a richly decorated golden staircase.
Monasteries of San Millán de la Cogolla 54 km
Two monasteries in La Rioja, Suso high on the hill and Yuso in the valley below. Suso is a cave hermitage linked with the 6th century hermit Saint Emilian, and short Spanish notes made here are among the earliest writing in the language.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao 113 km
A museum of modern and contemporary art on the bank of the Nervión, designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 1997. Its curving titanium clad forms helped to revive the city, and a giant flower covered dog stands outside.
Vizcaya Bridge 116 km
A transporter bridge over the Nervión estuary, linking Portugalete and Getxo. Opened in 1893, it carries cars and people across in a gondola hung from a high iron frame, and it is still in service.
Cave of Altamira 124 km
A cave near Santillana del Mar famous for its ceiling of painted bison, made by hunters of the Upper Palaeolithic more than 14,000 years ago. Because visitors damage the paintings, most people now see an exact replica in the neighbouring museum.
Santander Cathedral 126 km
A cathedral in Santander whose structure is mainly Gothic, though it was extended and renovated in later times. It stands above the old harbour district. A crypt beneath it is part of an older church.
Palacio de la Magdalena 126 km
A palace in Santander built on a peninsula facing the sea. Its construction was financed by popular subscription and it was given to the Spanish royal family as a summer residence. It is now used for university courses and events.
Valladolid Cathedral 126 km
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Holy Assumption in Valladolid, laid out by Juan de Herrera in the Renaissance style. Its austere stone facade and unfinished tower stand in the city centre. A diocesan museum is housed inside.
More UNESCO World Heritage sites in Castile and León
Questions
Where is Atapuerca?
Atapuerca is in Burgos, Castile and León, Spain. The nearest other LOQAH stamps are Burgos Cathedral (15 km), Monasteries of San Millán de la Cogolla (54 km), Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (113 km).
How do I get the Atapuerca stamp?
Open LOQAH when you are at Atapuerca and get its stamp. The app checks where you are once, at that moment, and the stamp goes into your Castile and León volume, confirmed on site, with the date.
I have been to Atapuerca before. Can I still have the stamp?
Yes. Add it from Earlier trips in your Castile and León volume, with the date if you know it, or import your Google Timeline and LOQAH matches the places you were.
Collect your first stamp.
LOQAH is free on iPhone and Android, in India and 40 more countries, with more countries on the way. Stand at a place, collect its stamp, and keep every trip in a passport that grows.