CAVE OF ALTAMIRA (SANTILLANA DEL MAR)
Altamira is known as “Sistine Chapel” of the Rock art; is World Heritage Site from (1985). The deterioration produced by massive turism supposed the build of a wonderful replica (reproduction). It is about 270 meters (885 ft) long, with paintings of red, ocher and black (monochrome and polychrome), horses, goats, deers, wild boars and fantastic bisons. It was Marcelino de Sautuola, the first to study the cave (1875-1879). The caves have elements of Magdalenian and Solutrean.
TICKETS AND TIMETABLE: Summer time (May-October) from Tuesday to Saturday from 9,30am to 8pm and Sunday and holidays from 9,30am to 3pm and winter time (November-April) from Tuesday to Saturday from 9,30 am to 6 pm and Sundays and holidays from 9,30am to 3pm. Rate for neocueva is € 3. The visit of the original cave is only possible on Friday, only 5 persons, selected by drawing in the hall of the Museum at 10,40 am.
ACCESS: The caves of Altamira are located 2 Km (1,24 miles) from Santillana del Mar, a town near Torrelavega. From A-8 take exit 234 (Puente de San Miguel), and follow the signage.