Open Days at the Companheira Cave

The Portimão Museum is hosting two Open Days at the Companheira Cave on October 17 and 24, offering a chance to closely explore this important archaeological site and the remains of Middle Paleolithic human occupations identified during ongoing archaeological excavations led by researchers from the University of Algarve (UAlg).

The Companheira Cave is the second cave in the Algarve where materials associated with Neanderthal occupation have been found. Discovered in early 2016 during the construction of the new wastewater treatment plant in Portimão, it revealed a new cavity with archaeological remains. Although the cave is currently not open for visits, it consists of two small horizontal chambers and several corridors, estimated to be about 10 metres long, with access to one of the galleries from Estrada Nacional 125.

Human remains over 45,000 years old have been identified. Following the discovery, the cave was investigated by Dr João Cascalheira and Professor Nuno Bicho from the University of Algarve, who identified and excavated deposits containing archaeological materials attributed to the Middle Paleolithic, over 45,000 years old.

Currently, the project Finisterra – Population trajectories and cultural dynamics of the last Neanderthals in Western Europe is underway, led by João Cascalheira and funded by the European Research Council, with logistical support from the Portimão Municipality. Archaeological work at the original entrance of the cave has reached over four metres deep, revealing a connection with previously known galleries. The excavations confirmed Neanderthal occupations at the site and identified a new set of galleries, previously unknown, where significant archaeological and paleontological materials were found. Although the data is still preliminary, several stone tools likely of Neanderthal manufacture have been identified, along with numerous animal remains, including deer, horses, aurochs, and turtles.

With a limit of 20 participants per session, registrations must be completed by October 14 for the first session at https://tinyurl.com/diaaberto17out, and by October 21 for the second session at https://tinyurl.com/diaaaberto24out. Participants are expected to gather at 10:00 in the parking lot of the Companheira wastewater treatment plant (https://maps.app.goo.gl/q35kZJd7qagFWvJ28), and appropriate clothing and footwear are recommended.