Loja Cave and Didactic Classroom

Both the Cave and the Didactic Classroom are located in the village of El Mazu, Peñamellera Baja, on the banks of the River Craes-Deva. It is not a large cave; it is reduced to a platform overlooking the river, behind which there is a vestibule that leads to a long gallery, narrow in some sections, which disappears into the depths of the earth before returning to the outside.

It has a Magdalenian archaeological deposit and several artistic manifestations engraved on its walls, including representations of animals, among them several bovids and a horse.

It is recognised as one of the classic Palaeolithic cave art stations in Asturias, which gives it international recognition.

The Aula Didáctica was inaugurated in 2002 and is structured on two floors. With a simple design, it adapts to the environment using local materials such as stone, wood, tiles and clay.

The ground floor has a stone breakwater mound, and is designed to mitigate the effects of flooding caused by the Cares-Deva river.

The main theme of the Aula revolves around the rock art of the region, especially that found in the Cueva de La Loja, as well as brief introductions to archaeology and prehistory at the local, regional and European levels.

The main objective of this educational space is to familiarise visitors with the prehistoric art of the area, to awaken their interest and to motivate them to explore other caves with rock art, such as El Pindal, Tito Bustillo and El Buxu.

The visit to the Aula is conducted with a guide, and after approximately thirty minutes, which is the usual duration of the tour of the whole centre, the visit to the Cueva de La Loja takes place, which usually lasts between ten and fifteen minutes.