Atapuerca, Province of Burgos

Atapuerca
Municipality and town
View of Atapuerca, 2009

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Municipal location of Atapuerca in Burgos province
Country Spain
Autonomous community Castile and León
Province Burgos
Comarca Alfoz de Burgos
Government
 • Mayor Raquel Torrientes Burgos (People's Party)
Area
 • Total 25 km2 (10 sq mi)
Elevation 953 m (3,127 ft)
Population (2016)
 • Total 187
 • Density 7.5/km2 (19/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code 09199
Website www.atapuerca.es

Atapuerca (Spanish pronunciation: [ataˈpweɾka]) is a municipality and town located in the province of Burgos, Castile and León, Spain. According to the 2005 census (INE), the municipality has a population of 195 inhabitants. It encompasses the Archaeological Site of Atapuerca and is famous for its prehistoric archaeological sites.[1] The municipality of Atapuerca is made up of two towns: Atapuerca (seat or capital) and Olmos de Atapuerca.

The small town plays host to an annual cross country running event—the Cross de Atapuerca—which attracts over 2000 runners each year.[2]

On November 30, 2000, Atapuerca was declared a World Heritage by UNESCO. The Archaeological Site of Atapuerca is the only one in Europe where it is possible to follow the evolution of the first human beings to inhabit the European Continent. In 1899 construction of a new railway unveiled several significant archaeological sites.[1]

Atapuerca is also on The French Way (Spanish: Camino Francés) on the Camino de Santiago.

The massif just outside of town was the site of the Battle of Atapuerca in 1054. For awhile the Spanish Army had an Armour (tank) training facility nearby.

Economy

Apart from the typical dryland farming of the region, the municipality has grown significantly in economic, demographic and social level with the impact generated because of the presence of the archaeological site and its associated services. 15% of the active population is have a job related to tourism, this "tertiarization" of their economy has reversed depopulation and has caused the population to grow again, rejuvenating the population and placing the average age in 42 years.[3] Directly related, the creation of employment that has been derived from this type of actions, has had a positive social impact in society. [4]

References

  1. 1 2 TURESPAÑA (2007-04-23). "Tourism in Atapuerca in Burgos, Spain". Spain.info. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  2. ↑ Spain's Bezabeh claims second at Cross de Atapuerca; Monteiro takes bronze in women's race. European Athletics (2009-11-08). European Athletic Association. Retrieved on 2009-11-16.
  3. ↑ "3. Creation of economic and demographic development". Social Impact Open Repository.
  4. ↑ "1. Creation of employment". Social Impact Open Repository. September 5, 2017. Retrieved 2017-09-05.
  • Media related to Atapuerca at Wikimedia Commons

Coordinates: 42°22.6′N 3°30.5′W / 42.3767°N 3.5083°W / 42.3767; -3.5083

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