Painted Cave, Galdar, Archaeological museum and park in Galdar, Spain
Painted Cave is an archaeological open-air museum in Gáldar displaying remains of ancient houses and artificial caves from pre-Hispanic times. Modern pathways guide visitors through more than fifty house ruins where the original dwelling structures and painted wall designs are still visible.
The settlement was discovered in 1862 during agricultural work and contains house remains and artifacts from the 6th century until the Spanish conquest. Inhabitants developed a substantial settlement system that continued to be used until the arrival of the Spanish.
The site displays tools, ceramics, and painted geometric designs in red, white, and black that reflect how people lived in this settlement long ago. Walking through, you see evidence of daily routines and beliefs expressed through these simple but careful decorations.
The museum operates on a seasonal schedule and is open most days of the week. Wear comfortable walking shoes since the paths wind through the archaeological site and the ground can be uneven.
The painted walls display geometric patterns that resemble a calendar and may have been used to track time. This sophisticated approach to timekeeping suggests the ancient residents had a deep understanding of astronomy and seasons.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
