CAVES OF ISTURITZ AND OXOCELHAYA

The Grottes d'Isturitz and Oxocelhaya site is listed as a Monument Historique and is an active member of several national and international networks: ISCA, Routes Culturelles Européennes CARP, ANECAT, Sites et Musées en Pays Basque.

The two caves, which lie one on top of the other, are accessible in a single visit, that of the Gaztelu hill. Two great periods of humanity, from the Middle to the Upper Paleolithic, in the heart of a mineral palace protected underground... The ^twentieth century had just begun, when, while mining the guano in place, the workers realized that there were bones that didn't match the fauna of the surrounding area. They alerted André Darricau, the owner of the site, who called in a well-known prehistorian, Emmanuel Passemard, who confirmed that the bones were those of a mammoth, a wolf, a bear... It was at this time that other caves in France were being discovered. André Darricau had the operation halted and launched more in-depth archaeological research. This was the start of a dizzying adventure for archaeologists, who took a very close interest. It soon became clear that this was a major prehistoric site in southern Europe, with evidence of 80,000 years of human presence. Excavations and research involving the most eminent archaeologists: Passemard, Saint-Perrier, Laplace, Barandiaran have yielded 45,000 pieces: lithic material, objects of Art mobilier (the Isturitz collections are preserved, exhibited and studied by doctoral students at the Musée des Antiquités Nationales de Saint-Germain-en-Laye: MAN).

Today, after a century of excavations, an extraordinary heritage remains in place. Research continues into the Neanderthal-Homo Sapiens transition, parietal art, the occupation of the cave by large animals, and the conservation of artistic and natural heritage. Today, archaeologists are still exploring the cave. Every year, major events and activities take place, and 2024 will be no exception. The main theme is "Prehistoric finery". In recent years, the origin of jewelry has been recognized as one of the fundamental events in the evolution of mankind. By virtue of its richness, originality and secure context, the Aurignacian jewelry from the Isturitz cave is beginning to take a prominent place in debates concerning the origin of modern man and the transition from the Middle Paleolithic to the Upper Paleolithic. On a more modest scale, but no less important, Isturitz finery is beginning to provide us with precious details of chronological, geographical and even spatial variability within the Aurignacian period in Aquitaine. These men had a keen sense of aesthetics. They adorned their clothes with pearls and shells, wore pendants and had a great knowledge of semi-precious materials: lignite, steatite, talc, ivory and amber. Numerous pendants, shells, ivory and bone beads, pierced teeth of horses, foxes, hyenas, wolves and deer spits enrich the Isturitz collections, which have become an international reference... Explore the Isturitz and Oxocelhaya caves in a whole new way!

A geological masterpiece, a cathedral of rock, a journey to the heart of the earth: how can we find the words to describe such beauty? A descent into the bowels of the Earth, an unbelievable spectacle, an enchantment of concretions, marvels of nature. A private site, the family saga managed by Joëlle Darricau has a bright future ahead of it...

We also offer themed tours. Places are limited, so bookings are essential on the Grottes website.

Resonances" sound tour, an artistic creation by Pierre Estève: a sound evocation of prehistory and geology. Let yourself be carried away by the emotion of sound! "Resonances" is a sensory installation that lets visitors create their own mental images. A journey back in time and to the center of the Earth, the aim is to present the caves from a different angle, to let you experience them in a sensory way. Every Sunday at 5 or 6 p.m., depending on the season, by prior arrangement.

Program creation of an "Arts and Sciences" cultural space, with the Association Isturitz et Oxocelhaya, patrimoines, cultures et préhistoire.

For young visitors (6-10 years), enjoy the "Cro-Mignons" tour in July/August on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 4:40 pm; during school vacations on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 4:30 pm, booking required. Conditions on site.

Prehistory and Cave Art" guided tour with a prehistorian. Groups of 15 people maximum (15 years and over). Dates on website.

Special visit " Geological discovery (minimum 5 people), to understand what the caves have to teach us, with a geological engineer. On the program: geology, karstology, climate change...

Discover the inaccessible Oxocelhaya galleries with a prehistoric guide. Virtual projection with commentary. Tailor-made tours for groups on request.

And last but not least, enjoy a "premium" private tour. Further information by e-mail ([email protected]).