What artifacts from famous caves like Altamira can I see at the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria?

The museum conserves collections of stone and bone objects recovered from all the decorated caves in the region, including La Garma, Altamira, El Castillo, and El Pendo. These artifacts provide insight into the material culture and artistic achievements of Palaeolithic peoples who inhabited Cantabria thousands of years ago.

When was the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria founded and where is it located?

The museum was founded in the early twentieth century based on materials collected by J. Carballo and was initially housed in Sobrellano Palace in Comillas, where it was officially opened by King Alfonso XIII in 1926. The collections have continuously expanded with new archaeological discoveries from excavations throughout the region.

How is the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria organized and what periods does it cover?

The museum is divided into two main sections: Prehistory and History, with Prehistory receiving the largest exhibition space. The greatest emphasis is placed on the Palaeolithic period, though other prehistoric periods, Roman Age, and Middle Ages are also represented in the collections.

What can I learn about stone tool evolution at the Cantabria Prehistory and Archaeology Museum?

The museum allows visitors to trace the evolution of stone tools and the development of material culture and technical processes through carefully curated displays. This viewpoint showcases how prehistoric peoples in Cantabria advanced their technological capabilities over thousands of years.

What makes the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria a must-see for archaeology enthusiasts?

The museum houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Palaeolithic artifacts in Spain, with extensive selections from the region's most important decorated caves and archaeological sites. Its specialization in Palaeolithic remains makes it an essential destination for anyone interested in prehistoric European culture and cave art.

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Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria

Name: Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria
Rating: 4.1

C. Bailén, s/n, 39004 Santander, Cantabria, Spain• ★★★★☆• 101 views

Carla Bormann

Santander

About Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria

Cantabria Prehistory and Archaeology Museum conserves all the artefacts and remains recovered by archaeological excavations in the region. It therefore has collections of stone and bone objects from all the decorated caves, such as La Garma, Altamira, El Castillo and El Pendo.

The Museum was founded in the early twentieth century with the material collected mainly by J. Carballo. It was initially located in Sobrellano Palace in Comillas, and officially opened by King Alfonso XIII in 1926. Its collections have increased each year with the artefacts of all ages recovered by archaeological excavations in Cantabria. However, the specialisation of regional archaeology in Palaeolithic sites has led to this period of prehistory being represented by a large sample of objects.

The museum is divided into two parts: Prehistory and History. The first part is given the largest exhibition space. It can be visited from different viewpoints: on one hand, the evolution in stone tools and therefore material culture and technical process can be appreciated, while on the other, a selection of the main collections from caves in the region, and the periods each one represents, can be studied. The greatest importance is given to the Palaeolithic, but other prehistoric periods and ancient History, particularly the Roman Age and the Middle Ages, are also exhibited.