Deer Cave, Archaeological cave near Otranto, Italy
Deer Cave is a limestone cavern near Otranto that stretches through interconnected passages decorated with hand prints and figures in black and red pigment. The system contains hundreds of paintings applied with natural materials found within the cave environment.
Researchers discovered this cave in 1970 in the Salento region and initially gave it a name referencing ancient mythology. The artworks preserved within date from the late Neolithic period, demonstrating that humans visited and used this location thousands of years ago.
This place served as a sacred space where prehistoric people recorded their beliefs and daily experiences on stone surfaces. The painted walls reveal how people used natural pigments to communicate ideas that mattered deeply to their community.
Access to this cave is limited to authorized researchers to protect the ancient artworks and the cave environment. If you want to visit, contact local authorities or archaeological organizations beforehand to learn about any available guided access.
One painting shows a human figure in motion that researchers believe may represent either a priestess or a sorcerer performing a ritual. This enigmatic image remains one of the most debated artworks, with scholars continuing to discuss what it reveals about prehistoric beliefs and practices.
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