Rock Art & Human Origins
Summary
Northern Spain and the Pyrenees
The rock art of northern Spain and the Pyrenees offers a profound insight into the lives and minds of our ancient ancestors. This region is home to some of the most significant examples of prehistoric art, dating back tens of thousands of years. The stunning cave paintings and engravings found here provide a glimpse into the cognitive, spiritual and cultural development of early humans, revealing their deep connection to the natural world. As such, this area is not only a treasure trove of prehistoric art but also a pivotal location in understanding the origins and evolution of human culture and behaviour.
Our tour includes special access to a number of caves to see rock art in its original setting. Here, we can view the images precisely where they were created, standing or crouching exactly as the original artists once did. This is a tremendous privilege - where else could you approach original masterpieces of such immense antiquity in situ? Throughout this journey, we stay in historic towns nestled between the hills of northern Spain and at the foot of the majestic Pyrenees, ensuring convenient access to each of the sites while maximising our touring time. Our tour is led by Dr Paul Bahn, the world-renowned expert on rock art, whose connections with excavators, site custodians and cave officials take us beyond the ordinary tourist experience and provide a truly memorable experience.
What to Expect
- Visit the spectacular cave at Tito Bustillo and admire its images, both painted and engraved
- Examine the contrast between ancient art seen in the caves themselves and the modern art on display at the world-renowned Guggenheim in vibrant Bilbao
- Pay a memorable visit to the extraordinary facsimile of Altamira Cave, widely regarded as the Sistine Chapel of cave art
- Visit the area’s key sites of prehistoric cave art, from Niaux to Mas d’Azil
- Gain fascinating insights into both the creation of cave art along with the lives of those who produced it
