Cueva de Maltravieso

Spain · Europe

Exceptional

Contains hand stencils so old they predate modern humans in Europe, strongly suggesting Neanderthal authorship.

Age

~66,700 yrs

Period

Middle Paleolithic

Setting

Cave

Art form

Paintings

Discovered

1951

Status

Replica Only (Interpretation Centre)

⧗ See it on the timeline

Located within the modern city limits of Cáceres, this cave contains around 71 negative hand stencils. A 2018 Uranium-Thorium dating study revealed that carbonate crusts over one of the hand stencils formed at least 66,700 years ago, indicating that it was made by Neanderthals long before Homo sapiens arrived in Europe.

Gallery

Notable Features

◦ Potentially Neanderthal hand stencils
◦ Uranium-Thorium dated to ~66.7 ka
◦ Over 70 hand prints

Depicted Subjects

Hand StencilsGeometric/Linear SignsAnimal traces

Plan a Visit

AccessThe original is closed — a faithful replica is open.

Sources & Further Reading

◈ Official site ≡ Wikipedia ➤ Directions

Hours & prices change — always confirm on the official site before travelling.