There were three possible caves for us to visit in southern Spain that purported to have prehistoric cave paintings. Fortunately we selected the best one - Cave de Pileta outside Ronda.
We drove there early on a Monday morning hoping to arrive in time for the 11:30 tour. We couldn't reach the organization that owned it to make reservations so we were counting on being able to just show up. We lucked out!
When you think of caves you have to think of mountains and there were lots of mountains. To reach this cave we had to hike up a mountain. Fortunately there were stairs but it was quite a climb. Dan beat me up there and got our tickets secured for the 11:30 tour.
We didn't know what to expect but discovered it was magnificent. Unfortunately no photos allowed in the cave but after hour and a half tour we purchased the book and the map about the place.
So these photos are from the book but we saw all of these and much more.
Being in one of these caves has been something I've wanted to do for many years. I was not disappointed. The guide gave the tour in Spanish and English. I asked lots of questions which is what I tend to do and was thrilled to get answers.
The cave was found by a farmer in 1905 when he went looking for bat guano in an opening he knew bats flew out of. He had to have a rope to descend through that opening and once down he found human bones and pottery fragments. He knew that the cave had had human occupation at some time. In exploring further he came upon drawings in charcoal and paintings in colors. Later explorations found the cave opening we went through and which prehistoric humans would have used to enter the cave.
The paintings have been dated to 20,000 years old and the use of the cave may even predate that time.
The cave is owned and maintained by the family of the farmer who found it. It is a treasure!
For more information search Cave of Pileta.
