In the small settlement of Brañosera in the province of Palencia, recognized as the oldest in Spain, a forest was to be planted in honor of its 1,200th anniversary. However, instead of the usual ceremony, locals and specialists stumbled upon an unexpected discovery—a massive archaeological complex hidden beneath the soil, dating back more than five thousand years.
Within an area of just 12 hectares, researchers discovered 217 sites: barrows, dolmens, menhirs, stone circles, and altars. Such a high concentration of monuments on a limited plot is rare even for Europe. According to archaeologists, this location served as a ritual center and burial ground for some three millennia, from the late Neolithic to the end of the Iron Age.
Ancient Rituals and Mysteries of the Palencia Mountains
Most of the structures found date back to the Bronze Age, though there are both older and more recent constructions. The complex is located in the mountainous part of Palencia, where harsh winters give way to brief summers. For centuries, ancient livestock routes, connecting different regions, passed through these densely vegetated landscapes. Archaeologists believe the discovered monuments are linked to these routes and were used for rituals and burials.
Particular attention was drawn to dolmens and menhirs—massive stone structures that may have been used for sacrifices or as landmarks along ancient routes. Platforms and stone circles were also discovered, indicating a sophisticated spatial organization and the presence of advanced ritual traditions among the area’s ancient inhabitants.
A discovery that changes our understanding of Spain’s history
Scientists note that such a large-scale and well-preserved complex is extremely rare. Until now, no other site in Europe has revealed such a high number and variety of monuments within such a compact area. Research is only just beginning, but it is already clear there are many more surprises to come. In some sections, dense vegetation prevented full excavation, so experts believe many secrets still lie hidden underground.
The work was made difficult by harsh weather conditions—snow covers the area in winter, while dense undergrowth poses challenges in summer. Nevertheless, archaeologists managed to record the main finds and are already planning the next stages of research. In their view, the discovery in Brañosera could transform our understanding of the development of ancient cultures in northern Spain and their connections to other regions of Europe.
Brañosera: an open-air museum
Today, the discovered complex is referred to as a true open-air museum. Its uniqueness lies not only in the number of monuments, but also in their preservation and diversity. Local authorities and scholars are already discussing plans to create tourist routes and educational programs to introduce the wider public to this unique heritage. The new discoveries in Brañosera are expected to attract the attention not only of specialists, but also of anyone interested in the history and archaeology of Spain.
