Siega Verde

Siega Verde is in Spain, in Salamanca province, beside the Águeda River. It appears in this guide because of its connection with the Côa Valley: since 2010, both ensembles have belonged to the same transboundary UNESCO property, the Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde. The Portuguese component was first inscribed in 1998.

A Spanish site with a shared history

The ensemble extends across Villar de la Yegua, Villar de Argañán and Castillejo de Martín Viejo, in Castile and León. The visitor address published by the site is in Villar de la Yegua. Today’s border separates the countries, while studying their engravings together allows comparison of prehistoric artistic expression across the same Iberian region.

The shared inscription does not place Siega Verde in Portugal or provide a single admission arrangement for both ensembles. If combining the destinations, check access and reservations for each separately.

Reading the rock art

Figures were engraved outdoors on rocky surfaces beside the river. Animals predominate, alongside geometric and schematic signs. The ensemble belongs to the Upper Palaeolithic and helps explain the relationship between open-air art and art preserved in caves.

Looking at the position of figures, their outlines and their relationship with the natural rock gives a visit greater depth. Some marks are easier to recognise than others: specialist interpretation helps distinguish representations and explain questions that researchers continue to investigate.

Planning a visit

Consult the Siega Verde website and its visiting times and reservations page before travelling. The site states that capacity is limited and that a visit without a reservation is not guaranteed. Confirm the meeting point, route and access arrangements suitable for your group.

Wear comfortable footwear and follow the guides’ instructions. Published rules prohibit touching the rocks or collecting stones along the route. For more context, see the UNESCO record for the transboundary property and our guide to Palaeolithic rock art.