Côa Museum

The Côa Museum is the gateway to one of the world's most extraordinary archaeological sites: the Côa Valley Archaeological Park, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. The museum, inaugurated in 2010, was designed by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, winner of the 1992 Pritzker Prize — the world's most prestigious architecture award — in a language of pure geometry that dialogues with the schist landscape of the Côa valley.

Côa Valley Rock Art

The Côa Valley contains the world's largest ensemble of open-air Upper Palaeolithic rock art: over 1,000 engraved figures (horses, aurochs, deer, bison and human figures), dated between 22,000 and 10,000 years before the present. The 1992 discovery triggered one of the greatest archaeological controversies in European history — the construction of a dam that would have flooded the valley was cancelled following international mobilisation.

The engravings are spread across several sites along the River Côa, the main ones being Canada do Inferno, Ribeira de Piscos and Penascosa. Access is by jeep or on foot, in compulsory guided tours departing from the museum or reception points.

Álvaro Siza Vieira's Building

The museum is itself an architectural work of art. Siza Vieira conceived three reinforced concrete volumes that emerge from the hillside like rock outcrops, integrating into the schist plateau landscape. Natural light, filtered through strategically positioned openings, creates ideal contemplative environments for Palaeolithic art exhibitions.

Visitor Information

A museum visit should be combined with a guided tour of at least one rock art site — the museum organises jeep and walking tours. Advance booking is essential for site visits. Vila Nova de Foz Côa is about 75 km east of Régua via IC5/A4. Combine with Foz Côa Castle. Find accommodation in the Douro.