Grotta dell'Addaura
Italy · Europe
A highly unusual collection of dynamic human figures engaged in what appears to be a complex ritual or acrobatic act.
Age
~14,000 - 10,000 yrs
Period
Epigravettian
Setting
Cave
Art form
Petroglyphs
Discovered
1943
Status
Closed (Due to rockfall danger)
Discovered accidentally when Allied munitions exploded during WWII, this cave complex on Mount Pellegrino in Sicily features a unique set of engravings. Unlike most Paleolithic art, which focuses heavily on animals, Addaura features over a dozen highly dynamic human figures arranged in a circle, executing acrobatic or ritualistic movements.
Notable Features
- ◦ Dynamic human figure engravings
- ◦ Unique acrobatic/ritual scene
- ◦ Discovered via WWII munitions explosion
Depicted Subjects
Human FiguresAurochsWild HorsesDeer
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.