UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Cave del Valle (Cantabria)
Spain

Cave del Valle (Cantabria)

Prehistoric cave with Azilian artifacts

Location

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Historical Context

About

Cave del Valle, located in Cantabria, northern Spain, is an important archaeological site known for its prehistoric significance. Although no rock paintings have been reported, the cave has yielded significant artifacts indicating human occupation dating back approximately 9,000 years. These artifacts include Azilian harpoons, scrapers, and Upper Magdalenian spear points and bone tools, reflecting its use during the Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods. The cave is not only an archaeological treasure but also a speleological marvel, recognized as one of the longest explored caves globally, with over 64 kilometers mapped. However, some artifacts of archaeological interest, such as a perforated and decorated stick, have been lost, though copies and other items are preserved in regional museums.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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FileBaston_cueva_del_Valle.jpg
FileCueva_del_Valle.JPG
Temporal Epochs

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Human occupation evidence

9000 years ago

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Rock Shelters
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Spain

Coordinates

43.30° N, -3.42° E