Cave of Maltravieso Cave
Paleolithic cave in Extremadura with ancient hand stencils
Maltravieso Cave near Cáceres contains Paleolithic art, including hand stencils and prehistoric paintings; researchers and history‑minded visitors access the site via museum programs and controlled tours.
Cave of Maltravieso at a Glance#
About Cave of Maltravieso#
The Cave of Maltravieso (Cueva de Maltravieso) is a Paleolithic cave near Cáceres in Extremadura, Spain, noted for prehistoric parietal art including hand stencils and animal figures. The paintings are an important part of Spain’s Upper Paleolithic rock-art record and have been the subject of scholarly study.
The cave’s decorated surfaces include multiple motifs executed on limestone cave walls and are preserved under controlled conditions. For conservation and research reasons the interior is not open for general visitation.
The cave sits close to the city of Cáceres in western Spain, within the Extremadura region. The site is part of the wider landscape of karst and limestone country around Cáceres.
- Restricted access: The cave contains Paleolithic parietal art including hand stencils and animal paintings; access to the interior is restricted for conservation reasons.
- Significance: Artworks in the cave are of archaeological importance and have been the subject of scientific dating and study by researchers.
How to Get to Cave of Maltravieso#
The cave is located near Cáceres, Extremadura. Access for the public is generally restricted; visitors should consult Spain’s Ministry of Culture or regional heritage services for any permitted visits or visitor programs. The city of Cáceres has train and bus links and serves as the usual base for excursions.
Tips for Visiting Cave of Maltravieso#
- The cave itself is not open to casual visitors - access is controlled to protect Paleolithic art; check with Spain's cultural authorities for permitted visits or guided tours.
- The Museo de Cáceres and other regional museums provide excellent reproductions and context if the cave is closed.
- Visit in shoulder seasons to pair the cave experience with Cáceres' historic center.
Best Time to Visit Cave of Maltravieso#
Best visited in spring or autumn for comfortable travel conditions and museum hours.
Weather & Climate near Cave of Maltravieso#
Cave of Maltravieso's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 33°C. Moderate rainfall (550 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 4° - 11° | 6° | 66 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 2.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
| February | Good | 5° - 13° | 7° | 47 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.0 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.6h |
| March | Very Good | 6° - 17° | 12° | 39 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.1 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 8° - 18° | 13° | 52 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 13.1h |
| May | Excellent | 11° - 23° | 17° | 51 mm | some cloud | 63% | 3.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 14.2h |
| June | Ideal | 15° - 29° | 22° | 25 mm | mostly sunny | 48% | 3.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 14.7h |
| July | Ideal | 19° - 33° | 26° | 7 mm | clear | 35% | 3.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 14.5h |
| August | Ideal | 19° - 33° | 26° | 7 mm | clear | 34% | 2.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.5h |
| September | Ideal | 16° - 28° | 22° | 27 mm | mostly sunny | 45% | 2.6 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 12° - 21° | 16° | 60 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 2.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Good | 7° - 16° | 12° | 82 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.9h |
| December | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 7° | 87 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 2.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
