El Pendo Cave
Cueva de El Pendo
A World Heritage cave just over 10 km from Santander, with a set of red "painted frieze" art in its huge chamber. A good choice for visitors who do not want to travel far.
El Pendo Cave is in the Camargo area. It has a wide entrance and a tall main chamber. In 1997, a group of animal figures, including deer and horses, painted in red ochre was discovered on the cave wall. They are known as the "painted frieze", are believed to be more than 20,000 years old, and were inscribed as World Heritage in 2008. The guided tour lasts about an hour and uses light and sound commentary. Advance booking through the official Cantabrian caves website is required. It is about 15 minutes' drive from Santander.
Opening hours
Guided tours Wed–Sun (check the official website)
Nearby sights
- Cabárceno Nature Park
- Liencres Dunes & Costa Quebrada
- Caves of Monte Castillo
- Mercado de la Esperanza
- Santander Cathedral
- Centro Botín
- Jardines de Pereda & Paseo de Pereda
- Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria