Museum of Human Evolution in Burgos, Spain.

© herraez/Getty Images/iStock

Museo de la Evolución Humana

Top choice in Burgos


This exceptional museum just across the river from the old quarter is a marvellously told story of human evolution. The basement exhibitions on Atapuerca (www.atapuerca.org), an archaeological site north of Burgos where a 2007 discovery of Europe's oldest human fossil remains was made, are stunning; the displays on Charles Darwin and the extraordinary 'Human Evolution' section in the centre of the ground floor are simply outstanding. Even if you've no prior interest in the subject, don't miss it.

Allow at least an hour to get the best out of the museum, or two if you plan to read all of the excellent information panels (in English and Spanish).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Burgos attractions

1. Museo de Burgos

0.12 MILES

This museum, housed in the 16th-century Casa de Miranda, contains some fine Gothic tombs and other archaeological artefacts covering a wide period.

2. Statue of El Cid

0.15 MILES

On the north side of the Puente de San Pablo looms a romanticised statue of El Cid, the 11th-century mercenary whose tomb lies in the town's cathedral.

3. Casa del Cordón

0.2 MILES

Built in the 15th century in a harmonious Gothic style, this fine structure is notable especially for the fact that it was here, on 23 April 1497, that…

4. Iglesia de San Lesmes

0.26 MILES

Dating to the 15th century, San Lesmes is notable for its three naves and rustic charm.

5. Arco de Santa María

0.31 MILES

The splendid Arco de Santa María was once the main gate to the old city and part of the 14th-century walls. It now hosts temporary exhibitions, but its…

6. Catedral

0.33 MILES

This Unesco World Heritage–listed cathedral, once a former modest Romanesque church, is a masterpiece. Work began on a grander scale in 1221; remarkably,…

7. Centro de Arte Caja de Burgos

0.38 MILES

With a lovely perch up behind the cathedral, this private art gallery hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. Apart from the art, it's a pleasant…

8. Iglesia de San Nicolás

0.4 MILES

Close to the cathedral, this church boasts an enormous stone-carved altar by Francisco de Colonia that features scenes from the life of St Nicolas.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "spain/castilla-y-leon/burgos/attractions/museo-de-la-evolucion-humana/a/poi-sig/1530054/360752",
      "destination": "Burgos",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Spain",
      "city": "Burgos",
      "position": "superzone"
    }