The caves became so popular that they had to be closed to the public in 1977 and reopened in 1982 to limited access.

In its place in 2001, they created the Neocave. The museum also holds information on the era, people involved in discovering and all the work that goes into such a discovery. This region of Spain and nearby France are filled with caves showing similar life within the caves but this one is referred to as the painted caves.

The Neocave is a reconstruction of how the cave of Altamira would have looked when it was inhabited by different human groups between 36,000 years and 13,000 years ago when a rockfall sealed off its large entrance.

The entire cave was used to paint and engrave animals and signs whose meaning is unknown. This great assemblage was completed over a period of 20,000 years which is why they artistic styles and techniques are so different.

This visit was amazing. Very well done museum! How special it must be to experience a field trip as a child to something like this. I’m happy to have visited as a senior.. the price was right – free!

Spain2024#