Tucked into the green hills of Cantabria near the medieval town of Santillana del Mar, the Cave of Altamira holds some of the most important prehistoric artwork ever discovered. The polychrome paintings of bison, deer, and horses on its ceilings are so detailed and vivid that when they were first revealed in 1879, many scholars refused to believe they could be the work of ancient humans.
History and Discovery
The cave was first discovered in 1868 by a local hunter named Modesto Cubillas, though it was amateur archaeologist Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola and his young daughter Maria who brought its art to the world's attention in 1879. Maria is said to have looked up at the ceiling and exclaimed "Look, Papa, oxen!" upon seeing the painted bison.
For years, the scientific community dismissed the paintings as forgeries, unable to accept that prehistoric people possessed such artistic skill. It was not until the early 20th century, when similar caves were found across France and Spain, that Altamira's authenticity was recognized. In 1985, the cave was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Paintings
Altamira's art spans a period from roughly 36,000 to 13,000 years ago, covering both the Solutrean and Magdalenian periods. The most famous section is the Great Hall ceiling, measuring approximately 18 meters long, decorated with large polychrome figures of bison in various poses: standing, charging, resting, and rolling on the ground.
The artists used natural pigments derived from minerals. Red ochre and iron oxide provided warm reds and browns, while manganese and charcoal created blacks. They took advantage of natural bulges in the rock surface to give the animals a three-dimensional quality, a technique remarkably sophisticated for its era.
Beyond the main chamber, the cave contains engravings, hand stencils, and abstract symbols throughout its 270-meter length. These include anthropomorphic figures and geometric patterns that researchers continue to study and interpret.
Visiting the Altamira Museum and Neocueva
The original cave has been closed to general public access since 2002 to prevent further deterioration of the paintings caused by changes in temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels from visitors. However, the National Museum and Research Center of Altamira offers an exceptional alternative.
The centerpiece of the museum is the Neocueva, an exact replica of the cave's Great Hall built using 3D scanning technology. The reproduction is so faithful that visitors can experience the art in its original context, complete with the uneven rock ceiling and dim lighting that the prehistoric artists would have worked under.
What to Expect
- The museum tour typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours
- Interactive exhibits explain Paleolithic daily life, tools, and artistic techniques
- The Neocueva section immerses visitors in a faithful reproduction of the cave environment
- Audio guides available in multiple languages
- Facilities include a gift shop, cafeteria, and accessible pathways
Practical Information
Location
Avenida Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola, s/n, 39330 Santillana del Mar, Cantabria
Getting There
Santander Airport is 30 km away. From Santander, take the A-67 motorway south, then CA-131 to Santillana del Mar. Parking available on-site. ALSA buses run from Santander to Santillana del Mar.
Admission
General entry is approximately 3 EUR. Free on Saturdays from 14:00 and Sundays. Under 18 and over 65 free. Check the official website for current prices and hours.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings in spring or autumn for smaller crowds. Summer weekends are the busiest. The museum is open year-round except Mondays and certain holidays.
Nearby Attractions
The area around Altamira offers plenty to complement your cave visit. The medieval village of Santillana del Mar is itself a beautifully preserved historic site with cobbled streets, Romanesque architecture, and charming restaurants serving traditional Cantabrian cuisine.
Other nearby caves open to the public include El Castillo, Las Monedas, and Covalanas, all within a short drive. The Cantabrian coast also offers spectacular beaches and the Picos de Europa mountain range for hiking enthusiasts.