Open Days at Gruta da Companheira

The Portimão Museum is hosting two Open Days at Gruta da Companheira on October 17 and 24, providing an opportunity to explore this significant archaeological site and the remains of Middle Paleolithic human occupations identified during ongoing excavations led by researchers from the University of Algarve (UAlg).

Gruta da Companheira is the second cave in the Algarve where materials associated with Neanderthal communities 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.

While the interior of the cave is currently not accessible, it consists of two small horizontal chambers and several corridors, with an estimated length of about 10 metres, one of which can be accessed from Estrada Nacional 125.

Human remains over 45,000 years old have been identified. Following the discovery, Gruta da Companheira was excavated by Dr. João Cascalheira and Professor Nuno Bicho from the University of Algarve, uncovering archaeological deposits attributed to the Middle Paleolithic.

Currently, the Finisterra project—focused on population trajectories and cultural dynamics of the last Neanderthals in Western Europe—is underway, directed by João Cascalheira and funded by the European Research Council, with logistical support from Portimão Council.

Excavations have reached over four metres in depth and confirmed Neanderthal occupations, revealing a new set of previously unknown galleries with significant archaeological and paleontological materials. Preliminary data indicate several stone tools likely of Neanderthal manufacture, along with numerous animal remains, including deer, horses, aurochs, and turtles.

Limited to 20 participants per session, registration 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 to meet 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.