Cueva de los Aviones

Cueva de los Aviones is a coastal cave beneath Navidad Fort in Cartagena that preserves traces from early human occupation. The site holds perforated shells, colored pigments, and stone tools embedded within layers of limestone and dolomite.

Excavations beginning in 1985 revealed evidence of Neanderthal occupation, with stone tools and animal bones from roughly 115,000 years ago. Rising sea levels gradually submerged portions of the cave over subsequent millennia, making it partially inaccessible today.

The shells with colored patterns found here show that people created jewelry and body ornaments in this space. These discoveries rank among the world's oldest known examples of human artistic craftsmanship.

Access to the excavation area is limited due to seawater penetration that restricts the available space. Visitors should check local information before arriving to understand current conditions and accessibility options.

When the site was inhabited, the coastline lay several kilometers farther away than it does today, revealing how the Mediterranean shore has shifted dramatically. This geographical change stands as visible proof of how climate shapes coastal geography over immense timescales.

Location: Cartagena

GPS coordinates: 37.58536,-0.98574

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:04