Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley, Archaeological park in Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Portugal.

The Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley comprise over 1,200 schist rocks bearing engravings along the Côa River. The panels face east and measure between 15 cm and 180 cm, mostly 40–50 cm. Lines were made by pecking and abrasion, sometimes with fine sketch strokes. The photograph shows dark grey-brown rock with rusty orange patches and thin lighter lines forming animal figures.

The rock engravings were discovered in 1994 and date back to the Paleolithic period roughly 25,000 years ago, making them one of Europe's largest outdoor prehistoric art collections. This ancient work was later recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site together with Spain's Siega Verde.

The rock engravings show different carving techniques including pecking and grinding that depict horses, cattle, and abstract symbols, revealing how prehistoric people lived and hunted. These images are scattered across the schist surfaces along the river, telling stories of the communities who created them.

Access to the engravings is by guided tour only, organised by the Parque Arqueológico do Vale do Côa since August 1996; booking ahead is required. The rock surfaces are vertical schist facing east, so morning light shows the shallow lines best. Some panels at Canada do Inferno lie submerged by the Pocinho Dam reservoir.

The engravings are among the oldest known forms of human artistic expression and depict hunting scenes that provide insight into the daily lives of these early communities. The combination with Spain's Siega Verde across the border creates a cross-boundary complex of tremendous cultural value.