The Outstanding Cave Paintings of Altamira, Cantabria, Spain

The fabulous caves of Altamira are located near Santilliana del Mar in Cantabria, Northern Spain, about 30 kms. west of Santander.

As is so often the case they were discovered by chance. In 1868 a hunter by the name of Modesto Cubillas stumbled across them but they were not properly explored until 1875 by a nobleman from Santander named Marcellino Sanz de Santuola but it was his daughter, Maria de Santuola who discovered the wonderful cave paintings of Altamira in 1879.

However they were of such astounding quality and so well preserved that specialists doubted their authenticity and sadly the discoverer was dead before they were officially acknowledged as genuine. At the beginning of the 20th. centuary they were finally accepted as authentic after similar remains from the stone age were discovered in the area. However the cave paintings of Altamira remain the most exceptional evidence of Magdalénian culture in southern Europe.

The paintings mostly depict bison but in addition there are 2 wild boar, some horses, a hind, anthropomorphus figures of humans with animal heads, along with hand prints and hand outlines. The variety of textures of the fur and manes is quite outstanding, particularly when you consider the minimum of equipment and the use of only three colours, black, red and ochre. The scale too is impressive, the red deer for example measuring 2.20m. long and the artists have painstakingly reproduced its specific and sexual features. These incredible paintings are really dynamic with the movement of the animals being brought to life by the creative use of the textures and uneven surfaces of the walls.

The cave is first believed to have been inhabited in the Aurignacian period and the first figure-like symbols etched on the walls date from then. It was later used more intensely during the Solutrean and Magdalenian periods as abundant stone materials and organic remains have been carbon dated from that period.

In order to preserve the unique cave paintings of Altamira access to them is limited to just 160 visitors per week with the result that tours are booked up 3 years in advance. The CO2 breathed out by well intentioned visitors has the unfortunate effect of damaging these priceless works of art.

However in 2001 at the cost of 25.5 million euros a replica cave and museum of prehistoric art was opened along with a research institute and restoration laboratory. The central room of the cave, which is 9x18m big, has been faithfully reproduced and contains dozens of images. It immediately proved a great success with over 200,00 visitors in the first 4 months.

Contact Details:-

Altamira, E-39330 Santillana del Mar, Cantabria, Tel: +34-942-818005, Fax: +34-942-840157.

Museo Nacional y Centro de Investigación de Altamira, E-39330 Santillana del Mar, Cantabria, Tel: +34-942-818815, Fax: +34-942-840157

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