Remains of 'Don Quixote' author Cervantes found in Madrid

Madrid, March 17
Researchers confirmed beyond doubt on Tuesday that the remains of Miguel de Cervantes -- the famous Spanish writer and creator of "Don Quixote" -- was among the fragments found in the crypt of the Church of the Trinitarians in Madrid, according to Spanish news agency Efe.

Efe announced in a report on March 11, 2015 the discovery of the remains of Cervantes and his wife, Catalina de Salazar.

Researchers revealed the details in a press conference on Tuesday, attended by Madrid mayor Ana Botella, who considered the discovery as a contribution to the heritage and culture of Spain.

Experts explained that during the search operation, severely damaged skeletal remains were found that belonged to the Spanish author, his wife, and the very first people who were buried in the ancient church, which used to be located at a different site from its current location.

The excavation site is not the same location where the skeletal remains were buried between 1612 and 1630, although the remains were relocated to the crypt in the central Madrid location between 1698 and 1730, when restoration work started in the convent of the Trinitarian church.

Anthropologist Almudena Garcia Cid said in the press conference that the remains of at least five children and a minimum of 10 adults were found, which is in sync with the 17 documented burials in the church.

Forensic pathologist and director of the search team Francisco Etxebarria explained that DNA testing has not been carried out, as Cervantes's DNA can only be compared to that of his sister, whose remains lie in a shared ossuary in the Alcala de Henares Church, just outside Madrid.

The remains were buried in an underground basement, and were found along with pieces of clothing and other items that made it possible to infer that the remains dated back to the 17th century.

The research team, led by Etxebarria and forensic pathologist Luis Avial, has cost $130,685, and was supported by the Municipality of Madrid.

The discovery coincides with the 400th anniversary of Don Quixote's second installment, "The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha".