Grotta dell'Addaura, Prehistoric art cave on Monte Pellegrino, Palermo, Italy
The Grotta dell'Addaura is a group of natural caves on Monte Pellegrino near Palermo with engravings of humans and animals carved into the stone walls. Located about 70 meters above sea level, these caves contain rock art that is thousands of years old.
The caves formed naturally over time and were later occupied by people from the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods. Excavations uncovered hunting tools and animal bones that reveal early humans settled here and hunted in the surrounding area.
The central rock panel depicts a scene with nine figures arranged in a circle around two individuals whose heads are covered, positioned in acrobatic poses. This arrangement reveals something about activities or rituals that mattered to the people who lived there.
You can visit the original engravings in the caves, but expect steep paths and uneven surfaces as you explore. Wear proper footwear and plan your visit carefully if rain or strong wind is forecast.
An explosion in 1943 from military ammunition stored in the caves during World War II accidentally exposed previously hidden rock engravings. This unexpected discovery led archaeologists to uncover additional artwork that might otherwise have remained concealed.
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