Yacimiento arqueológico de Cuyacabras, Medieval necropolis in Quintanar de la Sierra, Spain.
The Yacimiento arqueológico de Cuyacabras is a medieval necropolis with around 183 documented graves carved into sandstone rock formations in a pine forest and scattered around an ancient church. The tombs display different shapes including anthropomorphic graves, bathtub-shaped chambers, and lateral niches cut directly into the stone.
This burial ground was used from the 9th to the 13th century, spanning several centuries of medieval burial practice. Significant excavations conducted between 1969 and 1971 by Professor Alberto del Castillo uncovered and documented the site's full extent and chronology.
The graves face west, following medieval Christian burial customs, with different tomb shapes for various social ranks and family groups. This variety shows how the community honored its dead according to their place in society.
The site sits about 4 kilometers from Quintanar de la Sierra and is reached via a marked hiking path that starts from the camping area. The route follows a dirt track through forested terrain, so sturdy shoes and time for walking are recommended.
The remains of the ancient church survive only as ground impressions, making the original structure difficult to trace today. Archaeological findings also reveal traces of settlement activity that point to a community engaged in farming and livestock raising.
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