Balzi Rossi, Prehistoric caves in Ventimiglia, Italy.
Balzi Rossi is a prehistoric archaeological complex with several caves at the base of a towering dolomite cliff right on the Mediterranean coast near the French border. The cave openings face the sea and lie just a few meters from the present shoreline, set into a rocky landscape.
The first systematic excavation began in 1846 under Prince Florestan I of Monaco and brought to light Paleolithic burials and settlement traces. Further research during the late 19th and 20th centuries expanded knowledge of human occupation from more than 200,000 years ago until around 10,000 years ago.
Several caves carry names like Grotte du Prince or Barma Grande, recalling early researchers and local traditions. Visitors today see replicas of key finds at their original locations and learn how people once crafted tools from flint and bone.
The associated museum opens in the morning and afternoon and stays closed on Mondays, while summer hours are slightly extended. A short walk from the parking area along the coastal road leads to the caves and museum entrance.
Burials of women covered with shell ornaments and red ochre were found in the caves, pointing to complex funerary rituals more than 20,000 years ago. The finds are among the oldest evidence of symbolic behavior in Europe.
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