The original Altamira cave was the first site in the world where Upper Paleolithic cave paintings were identified.
The cave was discovered in 1868 by Modesto Cubillas and later studied by Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola.
For years, the scientific community doubted the authenticity of the paintings, accusing Sautuola of forgery until similar discoveries were made in France.
The Neocave replica is constructed using the same techniques and pigments used by the original inhabitants, such as charcoal and hematite.
The paintings in the cave include images of bison, deer, horses, and various abstract signs.
The museum complex spans over 13,000 square meters of exhibition and research space.
Altamira was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.
Microclimate monitoring is continuous in the original cave to prevent the deterioration of the limestone pigments.
Some paintings in the cave are over 36,000 years old, as determined by uranium-thorium dating.
The National Museum and Research Center of Altamira houses the Neocave, a high-precision, hyper-realistic architectural and artistic replica of the original Altamira cave. The original cave contains polychrome paintings from the Upper Paleolithic period, specifically the Magdalenian era. Due to the fragility of the original paintings, access to the authentic cave is severely restricted and currently follows a strictly regulated, limited lottery-based system for the public. The museum building, designed by architect Juan Navarro Baldeweg, features a modern aesthetic integrated into the Cantabrian landscape. The permanent exhibition, 'The Times of Altamira,' displays original archeological artifacts and explains the daily life of the hunter-gatherers who lived there. The center also hosts a scientific research department dedicated to the conservation of Paleolithic art. It is situated on the outskirts of the medieval village of Santillana del Mar. The museum provides extensive documentation on the evolution of human artistic expression.
The elevated observation deck outside the museum building, which provides a panoramic view of the Cantabrian countryside.
Prioritize visiting the Neocave first, as it provides the context needed to appreciate the exhibition artifacts.
Wear comfortable shoes as the museum grounds involve walking paths between the parking area and the main entrance.
Check the official website in advance if you wish to apply for the restricted lottery access to the original cave.
Do not expect to enter the original cave spontaneously; public access is highly restricted and requires significant advance planning.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
Maintain a quiet volume in the Neocave to preserve the atmosphere of the Paleolithic site; photography without flash is permitted.
