Spain’s rich prehistoric heritage is showcased through a variety of fascinating monuments and megaliths, offering a glimpse into the lives of our distant ancestors. The Cueva de la Pileta in Benaoján, Málaga, is a prime example, discovered in 1905 by farmer José Bullón. Inside, visitors find a labyrinth of passageways and halls adorned with paintings and engravings dating to around 20,000 BC. These images, depicting horses, goats, fish, and human figures, provide a rare insight into Stone Age life. The cave also features a grand stalactitefilled hall, adding to the mystical atmosphere. In Cantabria, the Altamira Cave is home to some of the most celebrated Paleolithic art in Europe. Known as the ‘Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art,’ the cave’s ceiling is covered with detailed depictions of bison, deer, and other animals, painted over 15,000 years ago. Though the original cave is closed to preserve the artwork, the nearby replica and museum offer an immersive experience. This UNESCO World Heritage Site remains a testament to the artistic skill of early human communities. In the Basque Country, the Ekain Cave near Zestoa is another highlight, featuring over 70 animal figures painted by Magdalenian hunters around 14,000 years ago. The cave’s main chamber is dominated by a stunning mural of horses, considered one of the most significant examples of prehistoric art in Europe. While the original cave is not open to the public, the nearby Ekainberri interpretation center provides a faithful recreation of the artwork and a fascinating insight into the lives of these early inhabitants. Moving to the Mediterranean coast, the Cova del Parpalló in Gandía, Valencia, reveals a treasure trove of prehistoric artifacts. This cave was occupied intermittently between 25,000 and 10,000 BC, and excavations have uncovered over 5,000 engraved stones, making it one of the most important prehistoric sites in the Iberian Peninsula. The nearby ParpallóBorrell Museum offers a detailed look at these findings, highlighting the artistic and cultural achievements of the region’s early inhabitants. Finally, the Dolmen of Menga in Antequera, Málaga, is one of the largest megalithic structures in Europe, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. This impressive burial chamber is constructed from massive stone slabs, with the largest weighing over 180 tons. The dolmen’s orientation towards the Peña de los Enamorados, a nearby mountain, adds a mystical element to the site, suggesting it held significant spiritual importance for the people who built it. Visitors can explore the dolmen and its surroundings, gaining a deeper understanding of the complex beliefs and rituals of these ancient communities.
One of the most fascinating prehistoric sites in Spain is the Dolmen of Menga, located in Antequera, Málaga. This massive megalithic structure, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, is one of the largest in Europe. The dolmen is made up of three colossal stone slabs, with the largest weighing over 180 tons, forming an enormous burial chamber. The entrance corridor, lined with smaller stones, leads to the main chamber, where the deceased were placed along with grave goods. What makes Menga truly remarkable is its orientation towards the Peña de los Enamorados, a nearby mountain known for its distinctive shape. This alignment suggests a spiritual or astronomical significance, hinting at the complex beliefs of the people who built it. Nearby, the Dolmen of Viera and the Tholos of El Romeral form part of a wider megalithic landscape, making Antequera a mustvisit for anyone interested in ancient history. Moving to Galicia, the Dolmen of Dombate in Cabana de Bergantiños is often referred to as the Cathedral of Galician Megalithism. This impressive structure, dating from around 4000 BC, consists of a large burial chamber surrounded by a circular mound, or tumulus, of earth and stone. The dolmen was used for collective burials, with the remains of several individuals found inside. The inner chamber is decorated with intricate engravings, depicting geometric shapes and possibly a representation of the world as understood by its builders. Nearby, the smaller dolmen of Pedra Cuberta offers another glimpse into the regions rich prehistoric heritage. Both sites are part of a larger archaeological park, which includes a visitor center with detailed information about the areas history and megalithic culture. In the Basque Country, the Dolmen of Sorginetxe near Arrizala, Álava, is another iconic prehistoric monument. Built between 2500 and 2000 BC, this dolmen consists of three large vertical stones supporting a massive capstone. The structure is thought to have served as a communal burial site, with the surrounding area used for ritual activities. Legend has it that the dolmen was built by witches or sorginak, giving the site its name, which means house of the witches in Basque. The dolmen is part of the larger AizkorriAratz Natural Park, which is home to several other prehistoric sites, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Further south, in Extremadura, the Dolmen of Lácara near La Nava de Santiago is one of the bestpreserved megalithic structures in the region. Dating from around 3000 BC, this dolmen features a long corridor leading to a circular burial chamber, where the remains of several individuals were found. The chamber is covered by a large capstone, surrounded by a mound of earth and stone. The dolmen is part of a larger complex of prehistoric sites, including the nearby Dolmen of El Mellizo, making it an important destination for those interested in the regions ancient history. Visitors can explore the dolmen and its surroundings, gaining insight into the lives and beliefs of the people who once inhabited this area. On the Mediterranean coast, the Cova dels Cavalls in Tírig, Castellón, is renowned for its striking prehistoric rock art. This cave, part of the larger Barranc de la Valltorta complex, is home to over 600 painted figures, dating from around 8000 to 3000 BC. The scenes depict hunting activities, with figures of hunters, deer, and other animals, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of the regions early inhabitants. The nearby Valltorta Museum provides detailed information about the site and its artwork, helping visitors understand the significance of these ancient paintings. The area is also home to several other rock art sites, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in prehistoric art. Finally, the Dolmen of Tella in the Sobrarbe region of Aragón is a stunning example of the regions megalithic heritage. This dolmen, dating from around 2500 BC, features a large burial chamber surrounded by a mound of earth and stone. The site is located in a picturesque mountain setting, adding to its mystical atmosphere. Nearby, the Church of Tella and the Cave of the Bear offer further insights into the regions history, making it a captivating destination for history and nature enthusiasts alike.
