Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain, Prehistoric cave complex in Santillana del Mar, Spain
The cave system extends 270 meters in length and contains an entrance hall, main gallery, and side chambers with red and black polychrome paintings.
Modesto Cubillas discovered the cave in 1868, leading to archaeological studies that revealed human occupation patterns dating back 36,000 years.
The cave walls display detailed illustrations of bison, deer, boars, and horses, representing the daily activities of Upper Paleolithic communities.
The original cave remains closed to protect the artwork, but visitors can experience an exact reproduction in the adjacent Neocave facility.
Natural formations in the cave ceiling were incorporated into the animal paintings, creating three-dimensional effects in the prehistoric artwork.
Location: Cantabria
Location: Asturias
Location: Basque Autonomous Community
Inception: 1985
GPS coordinates: 43.38250,-4.11611
Latest update: May 27, 2025 13:29
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