Cueva de Santimamiñe
Spain · Europe · ✦ UNESCO World Heritage Site
Charcoal bison of the Basque Country, now protected and toured in immersive 3D
Age
~14,000 yrs
Period
Magdalenian
Setting
Cave
Art form
Paintings
Discovered
1916
Status
Replica Only (3D Virtual Visit)
The most important decorated cave of the Basque Country, above the Urdaibai estuary near Gernika. Its chamber of charcoal-drawn bison, horses and goats closed for conservation in 2006; visitors now tour the entrance archaeology in person and the painted chambers through an immersive 3D virtual visit at the site.
Gallery
Notable Features
- ◦ Charcoal bison panel
- ◦ Immersive 3D virtual visit
- ◦ Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve setting
Depicted Subjects
BisonHorsesIbexDeerBears
Plan a Visit
AccessThe original is closed — a faithful replica is open.
BookingAdvance booking required — places are limited
Sources & Further Reading
Hours & prices change — always confirm on the official site before travelling.
Photographs via Wikimedia Commons — image credits. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.