altamira cave
states: [spain]
category: cultural
year: 1985
location: Santillana del Mar, Province and Autonomous Community of Cantabria
region: Europe and North America
latitude/longitude: 43.3825277800, -4.1161666670
visited: 2018
Altamira Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Spain, is renowned for its prehistoric rock art, dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period, approximately 36,000 to 13,000 years ago. Discovered in 1868, the cave features remarkable polychrome paintings and engravings of bison, horses, and other animals, created using charcoal, ochre, and natural contours of the rock. Often called the "Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art," it provides invaluable insight into early human creativity and culture. Due to preservation efforts, the original cave is closed to the public, but a detailed replica allows visitors to experience its historical significance.
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