Côa Valley Archaeological Park
About this Place
The Côa Valley Archaeological Park is one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world and a jewel of the Douro Superior. Its Palaeolithic rock engravings, carved over 20,000 years ago, are regarded as the most important manifestation of open-air Upper Palaeolithic art on the planet — a distinction that earned them UNESCO World Heritage status in 1998.
Visits to the park are by guided tour only, in 4×4 vehicles, to the three main engraving sites — Canada do Inferno, Ribeira de Piscos and Penascosa. The engravings depict horses, aurochs, deer and human figures with a realism and dynamism that continues to astonish researchers and visitors alike.
A visit to the Côa Valley Archaeological Park is the natural culmination of a journey along the Douro Wine Region. Book in advance — guided tours fill up regularly.
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