The Escoural cave is integrated in an archaeological complex, composed by a rock nucleus (CNS - 16049), a settlement (CNS - 16049) and a funerary monument - tholos (CNS 625). The Escoural cave is a natural cavity formed in a granite outcrop, located in a wide limestone range, presenting an irregular shape, composed by a labyrinthine network with several rooms and galleries with many floors. The oldest archaeological remains identified inside this cave date back to the Middle Paleolithic period (47,000 BC), found inside two galleries along a natural opening that was facing south east, and were composed of a set of flinted quartz and flint artefacts and fauna remains (such as equine, deer and aurochs). These remains may refer to a temporary shelter of small Neanderthal hunter-gatherers groups. During the Upper Paleolithic period (25 000-15 000 BC), the Escoural cave became a "rock sanctuary", the European most western one, presenting a numerically expressive and stylistically diverse set of engravings and paintings between the great room and the adjacent galleries, having different moments of execution. The represented motifs are figures of animals, mainly equine, bovine and goats, some of them of naturalist character, as well as geometric compositions (reticulated and scaliform, among others). The decorative techniques are varied, namely black paintings (with pigments obtained from organic or mineral matter) and red (ochre and iron oxides), as well as engravings with different trace types. For this occupation phase, some rare artefacts in flint and bone materials were identified. After a long hiatus of human presence, some ceramic containers fragments were found with cardium and printed decoration, framed in the Ancient Neolithic. During the Late Neolithic period (3500-3000 BC), the Escoural cave was used as a collective necropolis, with the regular burial of individuals (primary graves on the surface, or secondary, composed of bones sets) belonging to one or more communities, coupled with votive artefacts. The artefacts consisted mainly of ceramic containers, flaked stone artefacts (both bladed and geometric), polished stone artefacts (axes, adze and gouges) and stone, bone and shell adornments. The funerary use of the interior of the cave is contemporary to the elaboration of the rock engravings located on the outside. The Escoural cave would be closed during the Chalcolitic (2900-2000 BC), its occupation happening on the outside, with the construction of a fortified settlement at the top of the hill and a tholos funerary monument in the vicinity.

The Interpretive Center of the Gruta do Escoural is located in Santiago do Escoural and has a small archaeological exhibition. Visits require booking at the Interpretive Center, preferably at least 24 hours in advance. Group visits may not exceed a maximum of 10 people.

By booking

Opening hours: Interpretive Centre Summer 09.30 - 13.00 14.30 - 20.00 Winter 09.00 - 13.00 14.00 - 7.00 Visits to the cave: Tuesday to Saturday, except holiday. Morning - 10.30 Afternoon - 14.30

Street View