Furninha

Furninha, also known as Dominique's cave, is a natural cave on the southern slope of the Peniche peninsula in Portugal. For anyone interested in prehistory it is one of the more intriguing stops on this stretch of coast, and for walkers it is a point of interest along the cliffs.

Where is Furninha?

The cave sits in the cliffs between Peniche Fortress and Cape Carvoeiro. The Peniche peninsula juts out into the Atlantic, and the area appeals to those who enjoy coastal scenery and rock formations. The coordinates are roughly 39.3558 N, 9.4009 W. The easiest way to think of Furninha is as a stop on a walk along the southern side of the peninsula, close to the fortress, which is itself one of the town's main sights.

Why does it matter to archaeologists?

Furninha is described as the westernmost Neanderthal site known. That sets it apart on the map of European prehistory. Neanderthals became extinct more than 40,000 years ago, so any trace of them here belongs to a very distant past.

The cave was explored at the end of the 19th century by Nery Delgado, a Portuguese geologist and archaeologist. His excavations showed that the place was used across several periods. They revealed animal occupation during the Lower Paleolithic, Neanderthal presence in the Middle Paleolithic, and the presence of Homo sapiens at the end of the Chalcolithic. Modern humans also lived in the cave during the Neolithic.

What was found inside?

Furninha served as a shelter and also as a burial place, and it yielded a rich archaeological heritage. Finds include:

• bones of several hominids,
• remains of Quaternary fauna, including fish and mammals,
• stone tools such as hand axes, arrowheads and polished axes,
• bone tools,
• Neolithic pottery.

Is Furninha worth a visit?

It is, if you are curious about human origins and like places where landscape meets a prehistoric story. Do not expect museum-style facilities on site: this is a natural cave in a cliff, not a staged attraction. It pairs well with a visit to Peniche Fortress and a walk toward Cape Carvoeiro.

Frequently asked questions

Is Furninha a natural cave? Yes, it is a natural cave on the southern slope of the Peniche peninsula.

Why is it called Dominique's cave? That is an alternative name used alongside Furninha, and sources use both.

Who lived in Furninha? Neanderthals, and later modern humans, including in the Neolithic. Evidence of animal occupation goes back to an even earlier part of the Paleolithic.

Who explored the cave? Nery Delgado, at the end of the 19th century.

What is nearby? Peniche Fortress and Cape Carvoeiro, between which the cave lies.

Is it the westernmost Neanderthal site? Yes, Furninha is described as the westernmost of all known Neanderthal sites.