Coliboaia Cave
Romania · Europe
The oldest known cave art of Central and Eastern Europe, found by cavers deep in the Apuseni Mountains
Age
~32,000 yrs
Period
Aurignacian
Setting
Cave
Art form
Paintings
Discovered
2009
Status
Closed (Protected — Research Only)
A cave in the Apuseni Natural Park of Transylvania holding the oldest known cave art in Central and Eastern Europe. In 2009 speleologists traversing its flooded galleries found charcoal drawings of a bison, a horse, felines, bear heads and a rhinoceros, radiocarbon dated to around 32,000–35,000 years ago — contemporary with Chauvet. The cave is strictly protected and accessible only to researchers.
Gallery
Notable Features
- ◦ Oldest cave art in Central & Eastern Europe
- ◦ Charcoal bison and rhinoceros
- ◦ Chauvet-era dating (~32,000 BP)
Depicted Subjects
BisonHorsesFelinesBearsRhinoceros
Plan a Visit
AccessClosed to the public.
Sources & Further Reading
Hours & prices change — always confirm on the official site before travelling.
Photographs via Wikimedia Commons — image credits. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.