A Cova dos Mouros

A Cova dos Mouros is a small cave in the village of Santiago de A Fontaneira, in the municipality of Baleira, province of Lugo, in Galicia, north-western Spain. The site made headlines after archaeologists uncovered a rare set of prehistoric rock paintings, which regional media dubbed "the Altamira of Lugo" — a comparison that overstates the cave's scale but captures how significant the find is for Galician archaeology.

What will you find there?

The cave sits at roughly 870 metres above sea level, in the hilly, heavily wooded eastern part of the province. The cavity itself is modest, extending only about 20 metres deep, but its walls hold something exceptional: paintings executed in red pigment, combining geometric motifs — zigzags and angular lines — with anthropomorphic, human-like figures. Researchers identified this as the first documented and archaeologically excavated example of schematic rock art in Galicia, a region previously associated almost exclusively with megalithic art rather than painted cave art. Excavations also revealed traces of human activity both inside and around the cave spanning a long period, from roughly the 4th to the 2nd millennium BC — meaning the site was used from the Neolithic through the Bronze Age.

How was it discovered?

Hikers came across the cave by chance in July 2017 while walking the trails around Baleira, and reported it to the authorities. Since then, several archaeological campaigns have taken place on site, focused on documenting, protecting and conserving the paintings, as well as continuing to study the evidence of past human presence. Specialists from Galicia's heritage conservation school have been involved in the ongoing work.

Can visitors go inside the cave?

This is the key point for anyone planning a trip: A Cova dos Mouros is not a conventional open-to-the-public attraction. Because the paintings are fragile and research is still ongoing, access to the interior is restricted, and casual visits are not possible at this time. Local authorities and researchers have discussed the possibility of opening the site to the public in the future, but protecting the find currently takes priority. Anyone interested in the site should contact the Baleira municipal council to check the latest situation before planning a visit.

How to get there and when to go?

Baleira lies in the hilly eastern part of Lugo province, and the area around Santiago de A Fontaneira serves as a starting point for hiking routes through this landscape — a marked trail connects Fontaneira with the surroundings of the cave, popular with hikers interested in the region's history and countryside. Given the altitude and terrain, the best time to visit is from late spring through early autumn, when weather in this part of inland Galicia is more stable and trails are drier and easier to walk. Winter conditions can make the routes harder going, with the cold and dampness typical of this part of Galicia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the cave to see the paintings? Not as part of a regular visit — access is restricted to protect the paintings and to allow ongoing archaeological research to continue.

When were the paintings at Cova dos Mouros discovered? In July 2017, by chance, when hikers walking in the area came across the cave.

What makes this site stand out among Galicia's archaeological sites? It is the first confirmed and scientifically studied example of schematic rock art in the region, which had previously been known mainly for its megalithic art.

Is the area good for hiking? Yes — the surroundings of Santiago de A Fontaneira and Baleira offer walking trails leading toward the cave area, popular with visitors exploring this part of Lugo province.