Tito Bustillo Rock Art Center. Asturias Museums

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Latitude: 43.4616432 Length: -5.0688171
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The fact that any interested person can discover this rock treasure any day of the year, converts the center into virtual access to a cave that for conservation reasons remains closed several months a year. In addition, in the center you can enjoy artistic groups that in the Cave can not be visited because of their difficult access.

During the tour of the center, which lasts less than an hour on average , visitors learn about the geological origin of the cave, who inhabited it, how they lived, and how they expressed their world in the paintings; some of which possess a symbolism unprecedented in the Magdalenian period worldwide. The tour also delves into the contemporary discovery of this prehistoric treasure.

What can we see at the Tito Bustillo Rock Art Center?

Area 1 of the center is dedicated exclusively to the discovery of the paintings in 1968 and their subsequent impact. A comprehensive audiovisual presentation includes the testimonies of four of the discoverers. The figure of Celestino Fernández Bustillo, who died days after the discovery and gave his name to a cave traditionally known as Pozu'l Ramu, is also highlighted.

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Area 2 focuses on the Ardines Massif , one of the most important karst systems in the Cantabrian region. In addition to Tito Bustillo, it contains several other caves, some interconnected and with further examples of rock art. A large audiovisual model illustrates the origin and formation of this massif, and an interior map shows the location of the artistic sites and the most prominent geological formations.

Area 3 begins its exploration of the human group that inhabited the cave. Archaeological excavations reveal intensive occupation between 15.000 and 11.000 years ago . Replicas of the most important artifacts found in these excavations are grouped according to their vital function: making clothing, adornment, hunting, and food. Small sculptures, decorated tools such as harpoons, spear points, rods, and spatulas, as well as engraved stone plaques, have been found at Tito Bustillo. This exhibition area is supported by audiovisual presentations featuring testimonies from the leading researchers of the cave, including the director of the excavations, Rodrigo de Balbín Behrmann.

Area 4 focuses on the main panel of Tito Bustillo ; display cases and panels explain how the rock art was produced, and a spectacular screen measuring six by two meters allows us to observe in detail the formation of this panel, including nuances that cannot be appreciated in the cave.

Area 5 clearly demonstrates the other nine rock art sites at Tito Bustillo that are not open to the public. The three most prominent areas have been fully recreated: the Gallery of the Anthropomorphs, the Gallery of the Horses, and the Chamber of the Vulvas. A video illustrates the difficulty of access and the narrowness of the Gallery of the Anthropomorphs, a projection display allows for a clear view of the fine engravings in the Gallery of the Horses, and a substantial replica of the wall in the Chamber of the Vulvas reveals figures with sexual content that are very rare in the known Paleolithic period.

Area 6 delves into the significance of Tito Bustillo as a World Heritage Site, its prominent role within Cantabrian rock art, and its conservation challenges. A large interactive table reveals further reasons to admire this treasure, the most prominent example of Asturian Paleolithic art. This area also features large-scale replicas of unique pieces from other caves in the Principality.

In 2017, new features were added. Among them is a virtual mirror that, using video game technology, transforms any visitor into a prehistoric man, woman, or child. This fun experience will appeal to both adults and children, who can also paint with their hands on a large touch panel that simulates a cave wall. An interactive table has also been installed so that everyone can identify tools from the Paleolithic era.

The Tito Bustillo Cave Art Centre is also a dynamic environment that, through temporary exhibitions and diverse workshops, aims to offer a different approach to interpreting this heritage with educational and recreational activities. A basic program is offered seasonally, both for individual visitors and for groups and organized organizations of more than 20 people, with prior telephone reservation. Each workshop lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Tito Bustillo Art Center opening hours

Closed from January 1st to 31st.

From February 1st to 28th and from November 1st to December 31st

From Wednesday to Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 14:30 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (December 7 and 8), from 10:30 a.m. to 18:00 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday closed.
Closed: December 24, 25 and 31.

From March 1st to June 30th and from September 1st to October 31st

From Wednesday to Friday, from 09:45 a.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (April 2nd and 3rd and May 1st), from 09:45 to 18:30.
Monday and Tuesday, closed.

The 1 31 July to August

From Wednesday to Sunday, from 09:45 a.m. to 19:00 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday closed.
Closed: 8 and 9 for August.

Rates Tito Bustillo Art Center

· General: 5,45 €.
· Reduced: €3,29. Groups of 20 people or more // From 4 to 11 years // Over 65 years // Large families // Accredited people with disabilities // International student card // ICOM Members // Rock Passport // Culture Club Principality of Asturias // Cultural Passport // School Card // Hosteller Card // European Youth Card // Fnac Club // Caja Rural Children's Club // “Science Museums” Passport. Northern Route » // EURO 6000 discount coupon // Association of large families of Asturias.

· Individual workshops: € 2,50.
· School workshops: € 2.
· Free: from 0 to 3 years and Teaching groups and official guides upon request (only for visits to the Center and the Tito Bustillo cave during the opening season).
• Free access day: Wednesday.

Source: Tito Bustillo Rock Art Center.