Pla de Petracos, Archaeological site in Castell de Castells, Spain.
Pla de Petracos is an archaeological site with eight rock shelters carved into limestone cliffs that contain ancient red ochre paintings of humans and animals. The artwork spreads across multiple natural alcoves within the cliff face.
The paintings were created around 8,000 years ago during the Neolithic period and remained unknown until researchers found them in 1980. This discovery provided new knowledge about artistic practices in the early Mediterranean region.
The rock paintings show human figures and geometric patterns that reveal how early Mediterranean communities viewed their world and expressed their beliefs. Walking among these shelters, you can sense the connection between the artists and the landscape they inhabited.
Access to the site requires booking guided tours through the local tourist office, which provides explanations and information panels at the shelters. Wear sturdy shoes since the paths to the rock shelters involve uneven terrain.
Five of the eight rock shelters display Macroschematic art, an artistic style found almost nowhere else outside this Valencian region. This particular technique sets the site apart from rock art traditions in other areas.
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