El Castillo Cave
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Its archaeological site, located in the vestibule, contains evidence of human presence spanning the last 150,000 years, which allowed German archaeologist Hugo Obermaier to establish the cultural sequence of the four main periods into which Prehistory is divided. Stratum 18c is internationally renowned for containing archaeological evidence of a possible coexistence between the last Neanderthals and the first Sapiens to inhabit Europe 40,500 years ago, making it a key site for understanding Neanderthal extinction. The rock art repertoire inside includes hand stencils, bisons, deer, horses, and symbols of enigmatic meaning, among others. It stands out for its wide variety of techniques, themes, and styles—all applied over a span of more than 25,000 years. This extensive timeline allowed Henri Breuil to establish the first chronological sequence of Paleolithic art in Spain, which remained valid until the 1960s.
Opening Hours
Low Season:
From October 21st to February 28th
– Mondays CLOSED.
– Tuesdays to Fridays, and Sundays 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
Tour sessions: 9:40 AM, 10:40 AM, 11:40 AM, 12:40 PM, 1:40 PM, and 2:40 PM.
– Saturdays 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Tour sessions: 9:40 AM, 10:40 AM, 11:40 AM, 12:40 PM, 1:40 PM, 2:55 PM, 3:25 PM, and 3:50 PM.
Ticket Office: Located at the Centro de Arte Rupestre de Cantabria (Cantabria Rock Art Center) in Puente Viesgo.
Maximum capacity per session: 7 people.
Mid Season:
From March 1st to June 14th & September 16th to October 20th
– Mondays CLOSED.
– Tuesdays to Saturdays: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
Tour sessions: 9:40 AM, 10:40 AM, 11:40 AM, 12:40 PM, 2:40 PM, 3:40 PM, 4:40 PM, and 5:40 PM.
– Sundays 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM.
Tour sessions: 9:35 AM, 10:35 AM, 11:35 AM, 12:40 PM, and 1:40 PM.
Ticket Office: Located at the Centro de Arte Rupestre de Cantabria (Cantabria Rock Art Center) in Puente Viesgo.
Maximum capacity per session: 7 people.
High Season:
From June 15th to September 15th
– Mondays CLOSED.
– Tuesdays to Saturdays 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Tour sessions: 10:10 AM, 11:10 AM, 12:10 PM, 1:10 PM, 3:10 PM, 4:10 PM, 5:10 PM, and 6:10 PM.
– Sundays 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Tour sessions: 10:10 AM, 11:10 AM, 12:10 PM, 13:10 PM, and 2:10 PM.
Ticket Office: Located at the Centro de Arte Rupestre de Cantabria (Cantabria Rock Art Center) in Puente Viesgo.
Maximum capacity per session: 7 people.
Information & Bookings:
942 59 84 25
Online Booking: cuevas.culturadecantabria.com
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Estilo artístico |
Paleolithic cave art |
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Acceso |
From the municipality of Puente Viesgo (N-623), right next to the town’s parking lot, take the CA-703 road leading to the Monte Castillo caves. After driving 1.4 km, you will reach a parking area from which a short 70-meter walk brings you to the Visitor Center. It is also possible to access the site on foot from Puente Viesgo by taking the PR-17 trail located next to the parking lot. GPS COORDINATES: 43°17’33″N 3°57’55″W |
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Época |
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Características |
Next to the Pas River as it flows through Puente Viesgo rises Mount Castillo. This mountain houses four caves containing prehistoric art, all declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2008. Among them, El Castillo stands out; its vestibule was excavated in the early 20th century, writing the ‘first page’ of Prehistory in Spain and the ‘first chapter’ in Europe.
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