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 gives access 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 bovines and a horse. It is recognised as one of the classic stations of Palaeolithic cave art 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, tile 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 local, regional and European level. The main objective of this educational space is to familiarise visitors with the prehistoric art of the area, arouse their interest and motivate them to explore other caves with rock art, such as El Pindal, Tito Bustillo and El Buxu.

The visit to the Aula is made with a guide, and after approximately thirty minutes, which is the usual duration of the tour around the whole centre, the visit to the Cueva de La Loja takes place. The visits are guided. They last about 45 minutes. 35 pax/day. Children under 7 years of age are not allowed.