Fuencaliente (Ciudad Real), October 9, 2026 - The Government of Castilla-La Mancha has encouraged citizens to discover and enjoy the region's rock art heritage in celebration of European Rock Art Day. The event highlights significant sites like Peña Escrita and La Batanera in Fuencaliente, known for housing one of the largest and best-preserved collections of schematic rock paintings in the Iberian Peninsula.
During a press conference held to commemorate the occasion in Fuencaliente, the Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports, Carmen Teresa Olmedo, emphasized that these sites are part of the ten visitable rock art locations in Castilla-La Mancha. They serve as an important cultural and tourist attraction, allowing locals and visitors to connect with the legacy of their ancestors.
Olmedo also noted that Castilla-La Mancha boasts over 400 cataloged rock art sites, primarily located in the mountainous systems of the region. One of the highest concentrations is found in the Valle de Alcudia and Sierra Morena, in Ciudad Real province, with approximately 200 rock art stations. Other notable areas include the Sierra del Segura, particularly in the municipality of Nerpio (Albacete), and the Serranía de Cuenca, with a significant cluster in Villar del Humo.
These artistic expressions are characterized by three main types of representations: human or anthropomorphic figures, animal or zoomorphic figures, and other motifs such as idols and geometric shapes, reflecting the diversity of the region's prehistoric heritage.
IV Rock Art Days of Fuencaliente
Furthermore, Olmedo highlighted the significance of European Rock Art Day in raising awareness and protecting this heritage. She also commended the Fuencaliente City Council for organizing activities that bring the cultural wealth of the municipality closer to both residents and visitors.
The IV Rock Art Days of Fuencaliente, taking place from October 9 to 11, feature a comprehensive program of cultural, educational, and outreach activities aimed at engaging the public with the archaeological heritage of the area. The program began with school workshops on rock painting, which involved students from local schools.
Following this, a mural titled ‘Fuencaliente, Cradle of Rock Art’ was unveiled, created by the children, which, according to the deputy minister, “highlights the importance of involving new generations with heritage.” The event also includes the awarding of prizes for the II Rock Art Drawing Contest, guided tours, and tributes to archaeologist Henri Breuil and Tomás Pareja.
The program will continue with conferences, children's workshops, cultural and outreach activities, concluding on Sunday, October 11, with a hiking route and a guided visit to the Cueva de las Sierpes.
