The caves are closed until March 15, 2025
The Isturitz, Oxocelhaya and Erberua caves (French: Grottes d’Isturitz et d’Oxocelhaya) are an important Paleolithic site where a Neanderthal mandible was found, as well as later modern human finds associated with the Aurignacian, Solutrean and Magdalenian. The caves are located in the Gaztelu hill in the Arberoue Valley, in the French Basque Country, within the commune of Saint-Martin-d’Arberoue.
The caves form part of a system of three caves carved into the limestone Gaztelu hill. The hill itself is surmounted by the Rocafort castle:
- Isturitz Cave: the high cave in the hill, with openings on both sides of the hill.
- Oxocelhaya Cave: 20 meters below Isturitz, notable for its calcite concretions.
- Erberua Cave: where the Arberoue stream runs today. It’s not open to visitor.
The caves were inhabited by humans from the Middle Paleolithic to the Iron Age, serving as a shelter and ceremonial site. Archaeological excavations have uncovered numerous artifacts, including stone tools, carved bones, and intricate engravings, indicating the presence of different prehistoric cultures, such as the Aurignacian and Magdalenian. Among the most remarkable finds are flutes made from bird bones, some of the oldest known musical instruments in Europe.
Geologically, the Caves of Isturitz feature impressive formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and natural galleries sculpted by water erosion over millennia. The Oxocelhaya cave, deeper and less altered by human activity, contains vast chambers with high ceilings and intricate rock formations, adding to the site’s natural beauty.
Today, the caves are open to visitors, offering guided tours that provide insight into their prehistoric significance, artistic expressions, and geological features. The Isturitz cave, with its historical importance, and the Oxocelhaya cave, with its impressive speleothems, make this site an essential destination for those interested in history, archaeology, and nature.
More information: https://www.grottes-isturitz.com
