Cave of Las Monedas

Las Monedas is a Paleolithic cave on the slopes of Monte Castillo near Puente Viesgo, in Cantabria, northern Spain. It's part of the celebrated Monte Castillo cave complex — alongside El Castillo, La Pasiega, and Las Chimeneas — inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of "Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain."

Where does the name come from?

The name Las Monedas ("the coins") comes from Roman coins found near the cave entrance, dated to the reign of Emperor Constans in the 4th century AD. That's a much later chapter than what makes this cave truly special: art created many thousands of years earlier.

What will you see inside?

The cave was discovered and studied in 1952, and its paintings date to the Magdalenian period, roughly 12,000 to 13,000 years ago. Inside, you'll find depictions of horses, goats, and bison painted in red and black pigment. One standout detail is an image of a reindeer — a species rarely depicted in Cantabrian cave art, and a reminder of the much colder Ice Age climate the artists lived through. Beyond the paintings, the cave is also known for its striking rock formations, with stalactites and stalagmites lining the visitor route.

How do you get there?

Las Monedas sits in the town of Puente Viesgo, about 25 km south of Santander. Visits are guided only, run through the Puente Viesgo Prehistoric Caves Centre (Centro de Cuevas de Puente Viesgo), which manages access to all four caves in the complex. Book tickets ahead of time, especially in summer, since group sizes are limited to protect the paintings.

When should you visit?

The cave maintains a constant temperature year-round, so comfort inside isn't really seasonal — ticket availability is the bigger factor. Spring and autumn tend to mean smaller crowds and easier booking. In summer, arrive early or reserve your slot online in advance.

What else to combine with a visit?

Since Las Monedas shares its complex with El Castillo, many visitors pair both in a single day — the tours are separate, but the entrances sit close together on the Monte Castillo hillside. It's also worth strolling through Puente Viesgo itself, a small town known for its historic thermal baths.

Frequently asked questions

Can you take photos inside Las Monedas? Photography rules are set by the Prehistoric Caves Centre and can change depending on current conservation guidelines for the artwork — it's best to check with your guide on site before entering.

Is the cave accessible for visitors with limited mobility? The route runs through natural, sometimes uneven cave passages, so accessibility for wheelchairs or visitors with mobility difficulties is limited — check directly with the visitor centre before booking.

Is Las Monedas the same as El Castillo cave? No — they're two separate caves within the same Monte Castillo complex, each with its own entrance and guided route, though both are managed by the same visitor centre.

How long does a guided tour last? A standard guided group visit typically runs about 30–45 minutes, depending on group size and the guide's pace.