Cave of Altamira

The Cave of Altamira in Cantabria, northern Spain, is a prehistoric limestone cave renowned for its polychrome Upper Paleolithic paintings, including vivid depictions of bison and other animals. The paintings are among the best-known examples of Pleistocene parietal art in Europe and have played a major role in the study of Paleolithic aesthetics.

The decorated chambers contain multicolour paintings and hand stencils executed in red and black pigments on the cave ceiling and walls. Scientific study and conservation of the paintings have been central to the site’s management since their discovery by 19th-century excavators.

The cave was first brought to wider attention in the late 19th century and subsequently became a landmark in debates over prehistoric art. Because of concerns about visitor impact, the original cave has restricted public access, and a faithful replica and museum near the site present the paintings to visitors.

Altamira is located near the town of Santillana del Mar in the Cantabria region on Spain’s north coast, within a karst landscape of caves and cliffs.

• Artistic significance: The cave contains Upper Paleolithic parietal art and is famed for multicolour bison paintings and other figurative representations dated to the Late Pleistocene.
• Access and conservation: The original cave has been closed to general public access for conservation reasons; visitors can view a high-quality replica at the nearby museum complex.

What to See #

• Main painted chamber: The original cave chamber contains the principal polychrome paintings of bison, horses and hand stencils executed in red and black pigments; these are the focus of scientific and conservation interest.
• Replica and museum: A replica exhibition and visitor centre outside the original shelter allows public viewing of faithful reproductions of the cave paintings and interpretive displays about Paleolithic art.