Human Remains Discovered in Sub‑Basement of Spain’s Congress of Deputies

In the winter of 2009, construction worker Juan Carlos was cleaning the lower‑house basement of the Spanish Congress of Deputies when he uncovered several skulls and bone fragments beneath a column. Police sealed the area and a forensic team removed the remains, which were later identified as tibias and fibulas. The National Toxicology Institute confirmed the bones dated to the 17th century and were linked to monks buried at the former Convent of Espíritu Santo, the site on which the current parliamentary building stands. The discovery also yielded a large intact jar. The case was investigated by Madrid’s Court No. 10 and was ultimately closed with no indication of recent foul play.