Parpallo Cave
A mountain walk with a bit of pre-history!
Coming from Gandia, just before the outskirts of La Drova, is the starting point for several beautiful and well-marked mountain walks in the Parpalló-Borrell conservation area. However, at the Parpallo Cave – Information Centre there, one can take the opportunity to discover more than just mountain walks because it is also the starting point for a guided tour to the famous “Cueva del Parpalló” – a cave of great archaeological significance.
Inhabited by ancient man from about 29,000 until 10,000 years ago, this cave was believed to be a meeting point for the various clans that lived along the Mediterranean coast at the time, facilitating trade as well as increasing the gene pool amongst the different groups. Of great significance are the very many examples of cave art (mainly scratched-out pictures on the rock) that were discovered here, far more than at any other site in Europe. Many of these, as well as tools and weapons, are now on display in the Prehistoric Museum in Valencia and MUSEU ARQUEOLÒGIC Gandia.
Guided visits to the cave can be arranged, and these start with a video in the Information Centre followed by a walk to the cave itself – about 15 minutes up the mountain along a wide and well-maintained track. The cave is protected from impromptu visitors by fencing and a gate, but your guide will give you access to the mouth of the cave, where there is a viewing platform. The guide will then indicate the different parts of the huge cave and the uses they were put to.
If you expect to be able to walk inside a vast, deep cave with walls adorned by brightly painted pictures of ancient life, then you will be disappointed. However, if you like the idea of a walk in beautiful surroundings with some really interesting history thrown in, then maybe this is a truly unique excursion to consider. Afterwards, if you feel so inclined, you can continue up the mountain towards the summit and enjoy the spectacular views along the way. Alternatively, you can carry on into the picturesque village of Barx for a meal or a drink and your day will be complete!
The Cueva del Parpalló is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in Europe, located near Gandia in the Valencian Community of Spain. Nestled in the Mondúver mountains, this cave has yielded an extraordinary array of archaeological finds that have provided invaluable insights into the lives of Paleolithic humans.
Discovered in the early 20th century, Cueva del Parpalló quickly became a focal point for archaeologists due to its extensive collection of artifacts, particularly its impressive assemblage of decorated stone plaques. These plaques, known as plaquetas, are considered some of the most important examples of Upper Paleolithic portable art in Europe. The art, which dates back between 20,000 and 14,000 years ago, consists of finely engraved and painted figures depicting animals such as horses, deer, and goats, as well as abstract symbols. These works of art are not only significant for their aesthetic value but also for what they reveal about the cognitive and cultural development of early humans.
The cave served as a seasonal habitation site for Upper Paleolithic hunter-gatherers. The stratified layers of the cave have allowed archaeologists to piece together a detailed chronology of human occupation, revealing shifts in tool technology, subsistence strategies, and artistic expression over thousands of years. The artifacts discovered at Cueva del Parpalló, including tools, ornaments, and the famous plaquetas, are crucial for understanding the evolution of human behavior during the Upper Paleolithic period.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Cueva del Parpalló is the preservation of its artifacts, which have remained remarkably intact despite the passage of millennia. The cave’s unique microclimate and its relative isolation have contributed to the exceptional state of preservation, allowing modern researchers to study these ancient objects in great detail.
The importance of Cueva del Parpalló extends beyond its archaeological finds; it has also played a pivotal role in the study of Paleolithic art and symbolism. The plaquetas discovered at the site provide evidence of early symbolic thinking and artistic expression, offering a window into the minds of the people who created them. This has led to broader discussions about the role of art in prehistoric societies and its significance in the development of human culture.
To preserve and showcase these invaluable discoveries, many of the artifacts from Cueva del Parpalló are housed in the Museo de Prehistoria de Valencia and the Museo Arqueológico de Gandia (MAGa). The latter, located in the heart of Gandia, plays a crucial role in the dissemination of knowledge about the region’s prehistoric past. The museum offers an extensive collection of artifacts from the cave, including some of the original plaquetas. Through its exhibitions, MAGa not only highlights the archaeological significance of Cueva del Parpalló but also provides context for the broader prehistory of the region, illustrating the connections between the cave’s inhabitants and other Paleolithic cultures across Europe.
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Museo Arqueológico de Gandia actively engages in educational programs and research initiatives aimed at deepening the public’s understanding of prehistoric life. The museum serves as a bridge between the past and present, allowing visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Gandia region through the lens of archaeology.
Cueva del Parpalló remains a site of ongoing research, with archaeologists continuing to uncover new findings that enhance our understanding of human history. The cave, together with the Museo Arqueológico de Gandia, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Paleolithic art and culture, offering invaluable insights into the lives of our ancient ancestors.