The Cave of Maltravieso lies on the western edge of Cáceres, discovered in 1951 during construction work and found to contain some of the most significant prehistoric art in Spain. The cave contains over 70 individual artworks — hand stencils, animal figures, and geometric signs — dating back at least 66,000 years. The age determination came from uranium-thorium dating of the calcite crust overlying the paintings, which gives a minimum age rather than the age of the art itself.
Access to the cave itself is severely restricted to protect the fragile environment, but the adjacent Museo de Cáceres has created an excellent virtual reality and replica experience that conveys both the layout and the significance of the art. The real hand stencils — made by pressing a hand against the cave wall and blowing red ochre around it — are simple but deeply affecting once you understand what they represent.
The site is 2–3 kilometres from the old town and not directly walkable; take a taxi or bus. The museum experience is free with the Museo de Cáceres entry. Visit with or before the old town — it provides useful context for thinking about the deep history of the region.