Urdazubiko lezeak
The Grottes d'Urdazubi are caves in the village of Urdazubi in northern Spain, shaped over millennia by water erosion into spacious chambers with high ceilings. Inside, stalactites hang from above and stalagmites rise from the floor, while the walls display rough stone textures carved by time.
Humans used these caves over 10,000 years ago during the late Paleolithic period as shelter and protection. Archaeologists discovered stone and bone tools as well as food remains, revealing that people lived and worked here for thousands of years.
The name Urdazubi comes from the Basque language and refers to the landscape's water features. The caves served as shelter and a place for ritual activities for ancient communities, a role still visible in the archaeological evidence found throughout the site.
Wear comfortable shoes as the paths can be damp in places. Bring a light jacket since it stays cool inside and water regularly drips from the ceiling.
The cave walls bear ancient animal engravings of horses, bison, and deer carved by hunters thousands of years ago. These early artworks are kept from public view to protect them, but their existence reveals the artistic abilities of our ancestors.
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