The Santimamiñe Cave is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the Basque Country and a key example of Upper Paleolithic cave art in northern Spain. Located in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve near the town of Kortezubi, the cave preserves archaeological remains and prehistoric paintings dating back more than 14.000 years.
Paleolithic Art and Archaeology
Santimamiñe forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing dedicated to the Paleolithic cave art of northern Spain. The cave is especially significant because it combines artistic, archaeological, and environmental value within one of the most important natural areas of the Basque Country.
Its existence was known to locals, but the significance of its contents remained hidden until 1916. In that year, a group of children exploring the cave stumbled upon the remarkable paintings that adorn its walls. This discovery unveiled a window into the lives and artistic expressions of our ancestors who inhabited this region over 14.000 years ago.
The cave’s artistic legacy dates back to the Magdalenian period of the Upper Paleolithic era. The cave paintings, primarily executed in charcoal, depict a variety of animals, including bison, horses, deer, goats, and a bear. These evocative images provide valuable insights into the fauna that roamed the landscape during that time and the artistic skills of the early humans who created them.
Practical Information for Visitors
Due to conservation concerns, direct access to the Santimamiñe Cave is restricted. However, it is possible to take a guided tour in which you access the first gallery of the cave and in which 3D projections of the paintings and rock formations inside the cave are shown. It is necessary to book the guided tour by phone (+34 94 465 16 57) or email (santimamine@bizkaia.eus).
Posted on May 16, 2026
