Cerro de los Batallones

Located between Jarama River valley and Prados-Guatén Depression, this fossil-rich hill contains nine distinct excavation sites with vertebrate remains from the Upper Miocene period.

The site was discovered in 1991 during sepiolite mining operations, leading to extensive excavations that revealed fossils dating back approximately 10 million years.

Scientists from the National Museum of Natural Sciences conduct research at this location, examining fossils of prehistoric carnivores including saber-toothed cats and primitive hyenas.

Visitors need to obtain permission from the Community of Madrid authorities to access the excavation areas, as the site maintains protected status.

Natural cavities at this location functioned as traps for carnivorous animals, resulting in an unusual concentration where 98% of discovered remains belong to predator species.

Location: Torrejón de Velasco

GPS coordinates: 40.17216,-3.71428

Latest update: March 14, 2025 21:45