Bones found as experts search for Cervantes

EXPERTS searching for the remains of Miguel de Cervantes say they have detected bones in five areas near the great Spanish writer’s burial site, but cannot yet confirm whether any of them belong to him.

Don Quixote and Sancho Panza riding their mounts in a scene from Cervantes' classic novel, Don Quixote. Picture: Hulton Archive/Getty

Radar operator Luis Avial said Monday the areas containing evidence of bone remains were found in the Convent of the Barefoot Trinitarians in Madrid, where the “Don Quixote” author was buried in 1616.

Exploration began in May to find the exact whereabouts of the writer’s remains.

With initial radar tests concluded, the team hopes to begin excavation and complete forensic identification this year.

The experts hope Cervantes’ teeth and three musket shots he received as a soldier will help with identification.