Ancient cave art has always been a matter of fascination from ages. Early human cave art has been attracting thousands of tourists do historical sites and Museum year after year. Ancient cave art has gained a lot of popularity because it reveals the human culture of the time in which it was created. These paintings are tangible, large-scale presentation of nonfigurative human experiences such as feelings, thoughts and religion. A number of artistic techniques are also demonstrated in these paintings and they are much more than simple and primitive sketches.
Altamira is actually a series of caves in Spain that are in the form of passages and chambers that are about 900 feet long. Altamira was discovered by an amateur archaeologist named Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola in 1879. Altamira was found to be inhabited during two different time periods: 18,500 years ago and from 20,500 years ago. Though former paintings display bison, a large doe, horses, impressive multi-colored ceiling and abstract shapes, latter art reveal goats, horses and hand prints. The images depict use of shading, color, topographical features and three-dimensional shapes also, but there is no technique that creates perspective.
These 18,000 years old paintings have the World Heritage designation. The cave is irregularly shaped and is about 270 m in total length. The cave contains an entrance hall, side hall and a main gallery. Some best form of prehistoric rock art is present inside the cave and the paintings have been done using natural and red colored ochre. These paintings are also outlined in black. In order to conserve this prehistoric art, the cave has been closed for visitors but the cave paintings and structure have been reproduced painstakingly at the Altamira Museum's neo-cave. Same painting procedures have been used here. Visitors can admire a close up and have a look at the great ceiling. A visit to the painters workshop is also possible then it needs that have been used to create this masterpiece is explained.
Visits to the Altamira Museum from 1st May to 30th October is possible between Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am-8pm and on Public holidays and Sundays between 9.30am-3pm. From 1st November to 30th April during Tuesday to Saturday one can visit the Museum between 9.30am-6pm and on Sundays and public holidays between 9.30am-3pm. The museum is closed on Mondays, 1st January, 6th January, 1 May and 24, 25 and 31 December.
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