Where one of the oldest humans in Europe was revealed
On the western foothills of Mount Katsika in Chalkidiki, Petralona Cave constitutes a monument of global significance, as it hosted one of the oldest inhabitants of Europe, the Archanthropus. The cave was discovered by chance in 1959, and its fate changed radically a year later with the discovery of the famous skull of the Petralona Archanthropus. It was found embedded in stalagmitic material and dates back to the Middle Pleistocene (approximately 300,000–400,000 years ago), representing a critical stage in human evolution.
At the entrance of the cave, you will begin your descent into prehistory by crossing an artificial tunnel. The atmosphere changes immediately, as the temperature remains constant at 17°C throughout the year. As you tour the chambers, you will realise that you are in a priceless Palaeolithic shelter.
Excavations brought to light rich findings that testify to the alternating use of the space by humans and carnivorous animals. Within the cave, you will see the fossils of over 50 species of fauna, among which the cave bear, hyena, lion, and rhinoceros stand out. You will also see more than 1,500 stone tools, which provide important information about the technology and hunting practices of the Archanthropus. Perhaps the most impressive thing is that you will spot remains of fire, which are considered among the oldest evidence of controlled fire use ever discovered.
The tour along the laid-out route, approximately 700 m long, offers a magnificent geological spectacle. The interior is filled with impressive stalactitic and stalagmitic formations. You will admire the majestic columns, the shimmering curtains, and the delicate eccentrites. Do not forget to notice the characteristic reddish colour that bauxite deposits give to the rocks.
Completing your tour, you can visit the adjacent Anthropological Museum of Petralona, where replicas of the skull and various findings are exhibited, providing a complete picture of prehistoric life.
At the entrance of the cave, you will begin your descent into prehistory by crossing an artificial tunnel. The atmosphere changes immediately, as the temperature remains constant at 17°C throughout the year. As you tour the chambers, you will realise that you are in a priceless Palaeolithic shelter.
Excavations brought to light rich findings that testify to the alternating use of the space by humans and carnivorous animals. Within the cave, you will see the fossils of over 50 species of fauna, among which the cave bear, hyena, lion, and rhinoceros stand out. You will also see more than 1,500 stone tools, which provide important information about the technology and hunting practices of the Archanthropus. Perhaps the most impressive thing is that you will spot remains of fire, which are considered among the oldest evidence of controlled fire use ever discovered.
The tour along the laid-out route, approximately 700 m long, offers a magnificent geological spectacle. The interior is filled with impressive stalactitic and stalagmitic formations. You will admire the majestic columns, the shimmering curtains, and the delicate eccentrites. Do not forget to notice the characteristic reddish colour that bauxite deposits give to the rocks.
Completing your tour, you can visit the adjacent Anthropological Museum of Petralona, where replicas of the skull and various findings are exhibited, providing a complete picture of prehistoric life.
