The cave was discovered in 1952 by Isidoro Blanco, an amateur speleologist.
Excavations revealed occupation layers spanning from the Upper Paleolithic to the Bronze Age.
The name refers to a 16th-century coin cache found near the cave entrance, likely hidden during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs.
Most of the black-pigmented drawings in the cave are attributed to the Magdalenian culture, approximately 12,000 to 17,000 years ago.
The cave contains a distinctive 'curtain' formation of flowstone created by centuries of mineral-rich water dripping.
Unlike other caves in the area with polychrome paintings, Las Monedas is notable for its emphasis on monochromatic black line drawings.
The archaeological site is part of the Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain UNESCO World Heritage cluster.
The Cave of Las Monedas is a limestone cavern located on Monte del Castillo in Puente Viesgo, Cantabria, famous for its significant collection of Paleolithic rock art. It is part of the Monte Castillo complex, which consists of four caves containing UNESCO World Heritage-listed prehistoric art. The cave features a series of galleries containing black-ink animal depictions, including horses, goats, bison, and reindeer, dating primarily to the Magdalenian period. Visitors can observe the unique geological formations of stalactites and stalagmites that line the chambers. The name 'Las Monedas' originates from a hoard of Catholic Monarch coins discovered in the entrance vestibule in the early 20th century. The site remains preserved with controlled entry to protect the delicate microclimate and artwork integrity. Access is restricted to guided tours that traverse a specific route through the cave's interior. It stands as one of the best-preserved examples of cave art in Northern Spain.
Outside the cave entrance on the mountain path, offering panoramic views of the Pas River valley.
Wear comfortable, non-slip walking shoes, as cave floors are often damp and uneven.
Bring a warm jacket or sweater, as the internal temperature remains cool year-round regardless of the weather outside.
Book your guided tour well in advance online, as daily visitor numbers are strictly limited for conservation reasons.
Do not attempt to visit without a reservation; walk-ins are rarely accepted due to conservation-mandated group limits.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; operates on a reduced schedule during the winter months.
Touching the rock walls or paintings is strictly prohibited. Flash photography is forbidden to prevent light damage to the prehistoric pigments.
