UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Spain

Cueva de los Murciélagos

Neolithic and Paleolithic cave site, Andalusia, Spain

Location

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Historical Context

About

The Cueva de los Murciélagos is a cave system in the Sierras Subbéticas located about 4 km southeast of the town of Zuheros in the southern province of Córdoba in Spain. Although the caves were discovered in 1868, they were not studied until 1938. The caves host one of the largest bat colonies in Andalusia.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Discovery of the caves

1868

First archaeological study

1938

Redating of baskets and shoes

2023

Neolithic radiocarbon dates

c. 4900–3980 BC

Cave paintings periods

Neolithic (6000–3000 BC); Bronze Age (3000–2000 BC)

Human occupation (Middle Paleolithic)

c. 35,000 years ago

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Burial and Funerary Structures

Tombs
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Cave Paintings
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Modified CavesRock Shelters
category

Food Production and Processing Features

Hearths
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

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Plan Your Visit

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Reference

Details

Country

Spain

Coordinates

37.54° N, -4.30° E