The Basque Country The Prehistorically Inhabited Caves Isturitz and Oxocelhaya In the Basquean heartland, prehistoric caves are located in the natural hill area of Gaztelu. Two of the primary caves were placed under a natural preservation order and have been open to the public for the last 53 years. These are the caves from Isturitz and Oxocelhaya. PREHISTORIC CATHEDRALS The caves are a part of the prehistoric natural Pyrenean heritage situated between Lascaux in the Dordogne and the Spanish cave of Altamira. For the last 80,000 years Isturitz has been a central occupation area renowned for its early prehistoric cave art, in particular the image of reindeer engraved on a limestone column. Each summer archeological excavations take place in Isturitz which are focused especially on the Aurignacian. The main commonality between Isturitz and the Aurignacian on the Swabian Alb lies in the discovery of a flute crafted from the bone of a vulture. It attests to the great sensitivity of Stone Age man. Today, the melodious tone of flutes, songs and the sound of other musical instruments played within the frame work of several extraordinary cultural events, echoes each year through the cave. Oxocelhaya is a master work of nature as a decorated cave, and a truly exceptional geological site. Its imposing millenniums old lime stone concretions have formed a true mineral treasure chest. (Illustration right: GROTTES D'ISTURITZ & OXOCELHAYA / Bone flute)