Why are the Altamira caves famous?
Altamira, cave in northern Spain famous for its magnificent prehistoric paintings and engravings. It is situated 19 miles (30 km) west of the port city of Santander, in Cantabria provincia. Altamira was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.
How many caves are in Altamira?
The eighteen decorated caves on the Cantabrian Corniche illustrate the appearance and flourishing of the human art over the long Upper Palaeolithic period (35,000 – 11,000 BP).
Are the Altamira caves open to the public?
Sadly because of the global situation in 2020, Altamira – the cave, neocave and museum were all closed to the public.
Who painted Altamira?
The earliest paintings were applied during the Upper Paleolithic, around 36,000 years ago. The site was discovered in 1868 by Modesto Cubillas and subsequently studied by Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola….Cave of Altamira.
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
| Criteria | Cultural: (iii), (i) |
| Reference | 310-001 |
| Inscription | 1985 (9th Session) |
| Extensions | 2008 |
Who painted the Altamira caves?
Who discovered Altamira caves?
Modesto Cubillas
The cavity was discovered by a local man, Modesto Cubillas, around 1868. Accompanied by Cubillas, Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola visited the cave for the first time in 1875 and recognised some lines which at the time he did not consider to be the work of humans.
Who found Altamira?
Who painted Altamira caves?
The earliest paintings were applied during the Upper Paleolithic, around 36,000 years ago. The site was discovered in 1868 by Modesto Cubillas and subsequently studied by Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola….Cave of Altamira.
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
| Extensions | 2008 |
| Buffer zone | 16 ha (0.062 sq mi) |
| Coordinates | 43°22′57″N 4°7′13″W |