Cova del Gegant, Archaeological cave in Sitges, Spain.
Cova del Gegant is an archaeological cave carved into the coastal cliffs near Sitges, extending roughly 20 meters into the rock face. The layers inside preserve remains spanning 40,000 to 60,000 years ago, including stone tools, animal bones, and human skeletal material from the Middle Paleolithic period.
The cave was visited by Neanderthals roughly 40,000 to 60,000 years ago, as demonstrated by stone tools and bone remains found in its layers. A significant discovery included the skeletal remains of a Neanderthal child around 5 years old, providing the first confirmed evidence of human occupation in Catalonia from that period.
The name refers to local folklore about giants, reflecting how the cave has captured people's imagination over centuries. Today it represents a tangible link to prehistoric human presence in this coastal region.
The site sits on the cliffs above the beach and is sometimes open to visitors, though access depends on ongoing archaeological work. It's wise to check ahead about current conditions and any restrictions, as the cave's availability varies based on research activities and seasonal factors.
Surprisingly, bone analysis suggests the cave was used not just as a temporary shelter by humans but also served as a den for hyenas. This shared occupation reveals how predators and early people were drawn to the same location at different times.
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