Day 13 San Juan de Ortega to Burgos
Sunday 7th April 2013
27.5 km - 6.5 hrs
Leaving San Juan de Ortega early morning
Still cold with snow in the air
Ages in the distance
Entering the village of Ages
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Atapuerca is a small municipality located 18 kilometres away from Burgos, on the northern slope of Sierra de Burgos, famous for the prehistoric archaeological sites found in its township.
Declared a World Heritage by UNESCO on November 30th, 2000, the archaeological sites of Sierra de Atapuerca are the only ones in Europe where it is possible to follow the evolution of the first human beings to inhabit the Old Continent, from approximately a million years ago to very recent periods. The history of Atapuerca began in 1899, when the construction of a railway unveiled several archaeological sites. But it was not until the 1960s that the most relevant research began, thanks to the Edelweiss spelaeology group, which worked as a catalyst for it to happen. This group pointed out to mining engineer Trinidad Torres where to find cave bear bones, information he needed in order to complete his doctoral thesis. But when they began digging, they discovered very ancient human bones at Cueva Mayor (High Cave). Palaeontology professor Emiliano Aguirre analysed and confirmed these findings, in what constituted the first step towards a great scientific research project that began in 1978, and continues today. The finding of important human remains during the 1990s brought fame to Atapuerca, and allowed for a deeper understanding of human evolution. |
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Iglesia de San Martín
A goat herd on the mountain waiting to be taken for milking
Having skirted the perimeter of the airport, you begin the long walk into Burgos
The walk into Burgos goes through an industrial area, followed by a high density housing area
Colourful apartment blocks
Entering central Burgos
Burgos Cathedral
Palacia de Capitania General
Arco de Santa María
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At the near end of the Paseo, opposite the Puente de Santa María, is the Arco de Santa María (originally 14th century, rebuilt in 1552), a massive town gate flanked by two semicircular towers, best seen from the bridge over the Arlanzón. The entrance to the town is guarded by statues of Castilian heroes and kings: in the center of the lower row is Diego Porcelos, the town's founder, flanked by Nuño Rasura and Lain Calvo, the first judges of Castile, and in the upper row (from right to left) the Cid, the Emperor Charles V and Count Fernán González. Through the arch is the Plaza del Rey San Fernando, on the south side of the cathedral. |
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Accommodation Notes
Hotel Norte y Londres
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