The Côa Valley Archaeological Park is nestled in a beautiful corner of Portugal, in the north-eastern region of the country. It's an amazing open-air museum that has some of the most incredible rock art sites in the world! This amazing UNESCO World Heritage site is located on the banks of the stunning Côa River. It's home to a truly incredible collection of prehistoric engravings and paintings that offer us a fascinating window into the lives of our distant ancestors.
The Rich Tapestry of Rock Art
The Côa Valley is home to an incredible collection of rock art, which has been around for a very long time – as far back as the Upper Paleolithic era, around 25,000 years ago, right up to the Iron Age! This amazing collection of rock art has been created by humans over a very long time, and you can see it etched into the rock surfaces along the riverbanks. The lovely engravings mainly show animals like horses, aurochs, deer and goats, as well as some lovely abstract and geometric shapes. These amazing artworks give us a wonderful insight into how our early ancestors used symbols and communication, as well as how they interacted with the natural world.
One of the best things about the Côa rock art is that it's so easy to get to! The great thing about this place is that it's not like a lot of other prehistoric sites which are hidden away in caves. These engravings are found in open-air settings, which makes them really special and super engaging for visitors like you and me! We'd love to welcome you on a guided tour of the main sites, such as Canada do Inferno, Ribeira de Piscos, and Penascosa. Each one offers a different perspective on this ancient art form, and we're sure you'll find them fascinating!
The Discovery and Preservation
It was a real "eureka" moment when these engravings were discovered in the early 1990s! They sparked a lot of interest and debate. Plans for a hydroelectric dam that would have submerged these precious sites were eventually halted, leading to the creation of the Côa Valley Archaeological Park in 1996. This was a great example of how we can protect cultural heritage.
Visiting the Côa Valley
A visit to the Côa Valley Archaeological Park is a journey through time, offering a profound appreciation of human history and natural beauty. It's a truly special experience that you'll never forget! The park's visitor centre is a great place to learn more about the area, with lots of interesting exhibits and resources. And if you're looking for a more hands-on experience, we can plan a guided tour that will really enrich your understanding of the park and its history.
The Côa Valley Archaeological Park is a place that will delight and inspire anyone with a passion for archaeology, a love of nature, or a simple curiosity about our shared heritage. It's a truly unique and enriching destination, thanks to the wonderful combination of ancient art and modern conservation efforts. By exploring the rock art and witnessing the rewilding process, visitors can connect with the past and play a part in the future of this truly special landscape.
Would you like to visit the Côa valley and its engravings? Contact us and find out more about our trips and day tours to the Côa Valley.