Caves of Nerja

La Cueva de Nerja stands out for its great historical and cultural value. Its archaeological importance is overwhelming. For this reason, in 2006 it was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.

The Nerja Cave was discovered on January 12, 1959. Thanks to a group of five young people who slipped through a territory known as “La Mina”. They were accidentally in front of one of the natural entrances to the cave. Specifically in front of the room currently known as La Cascada or El Ballet.

The Nerja Cave is also known as La Cueva de Las Maravillas or even as The Natural Cathedral of the Costa del Sol . This type of denomination tries to summarize in words the imposing character of this work of nature. The interior of the cave makes an unavoidable impression on human eyes. Without a doubt, we recommend the tourist circuit of the Caves of Nerja as a mandatory visit. Possibly the most remarkable tourist attraction in the town of Nerja .

As for its location, we can indicate that it is on the road down to Playa de Maro . One kilometer from the coast and 158 meters above sea level. Surrounded by the landscape of the Sierra de Almijara .

As we have mentioned previously, the Cueva de Nerja has several natural entrances. However, the entrance enabled for your tourist visit is artificial. The interior spaces have been subdivided into two zones. On the one hand, the Low Galleries and on the other the High and New Galleries . The former can be visited and bring together most of the cave's rock art manifestations. Therefore, they are part of the tourist route. The last mentioned galleries are intended to be more strictly preserved (off the beaten path).

The dimensions of the cave have been rigorously documented. It is 5000 meters long. The data on the area open to the public are as follows: An area of 140,000 m ² which reaches a length of more than 700 meters.

The archaeological value of the Cueva de Nerja has been revealed thanks to exhaustive excavation works. The data collected to date declares that the Cuevas de Nerja has received the presence of humans since the Gravettian Period that took place 29,000 years ago (Upper Paleolithic stage).

The Cueva de Nerja is one of the most historically valued symbols due to its close relationship with the ancient Neolithic. So much so that it brings together the oldest evidence of this prehistoric period in the entire Iberian Peninsula. The prehistoric artistic manifestations of the Cueva de Nerja deserve a special mention in this paragraph. The cave paintings found on the cave walls represent one of the most valuable archaeological sites in southern Spain.

The presence of culture and its development are also very present around the Cueva de Nerja. As reflected in the celebration of the Music and Dance Festival of the Caves of Nerja . Along with the existence of the Museum of Nerja . One of the projects that have most promoted knowledge about the moments of Prehistory that this work of nature witnessed.

Finally, to enrich the experience and learn more about the history of our ancestors, we recommend combining both visits (Cueva de Nerja + Museum of Nerja).