La Covaciella Cave

La Covaciella Cave is an important site of Palaeolithic rock art situated in Las Estazadas, in Cabrales. Discovered by chance in 1994, it preserves Magdalenian paintings and engravings dating back more than 14,000 years and forms part of the Palaeolithic rock art sites of northern Spain, which were designated a World Heritage Site in 2008.

Its exceptional state of preservation is largely due to the fact that the cave remained sealed for thousands of years, without human intrusion. In a gallery measuring some 40 metres, bison, horses, deer and goats are depicted through painting, engraving or a combination of both techniques. Particularly noteworthy are three complete bison on the main panel, arranged in a way that appears to depict a courtship scene.

What is extraordinary is that this is not just any randomly decorated cave: the prehistoric artists made use of the irregularities in the rock to give the animals a sense of volume, combining black paint, engraving and the natural contours of the wall.

At La Covaciella, the quality and extraordinary state of preservation of the Palaeolithic art are particularly valued. The setting of the Las Estazadas gorge adds to the site’s scenic appeal. The cave opens onto a narrow, rugged gorge, carved out by a tributary of the River Cares. Inside, there is a large chamber divided by fallen rock and an elevated gallery.

Given its archaeological significance, it is particularly interesting as a complement to other Palaeolithic art sites in northern Spain, such as the Tito Bustillo Cave.

A key point to bear in mind is that the original cave cannot be visited for conservation reasons; as it is not open to the public, visiting the area does not allow access to the original cave.

The alternative for exploring the site is the Covaciella Interpretation Centre, at Casa Bárcena in Carreña, Cabrales, where a replica of the large decorated panel is on display and a virtual tour is available.