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Rock-shelters of Barranco de Gibert I and II

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The path leading to these two rock-shelters starts 10.5kms away from Mosqueruela and can be reached along A-1701 to La Iglesuela del Cid Mosqueruela

The mountains in the region of Albarracín are home to a rich collection of rock art belonging to the Rock Art of the Iberian Mediterranean Basin. These rock art sites, which were declared a World Heritage Site in 1998, span along the Mediterranean façade, from the Pyrenees to eastern Andalucía. Levantine prehistoric rock art was created between 10000 BC and the Copper Age; i.e. around the year 4500 BC. As for schematic rock art, it was created between the years 5000 BC and 3000 BC (these art sites belong to the Metal Age).

In the mountains in the region of Albarracín, it is possible to find many shelters with many interesting paintings. There are themes taken from classic Levantine cycle (archers, hunting and gathering scenes, naturalistic depictions of animals with colour-wash, etc.) as well as motifs of Iberian schematic art (anthromorphs, zoomorphs and signs, etc.).

The rock-shelters in Gibert ravine are located at the head of the ravine, near the boundary between the provinces of Teruel and Castellón, in the midst of a wild mountain landscape dotted by pines and different types of juniper trees. The rock-shelter of Gibert I, whose representations belong to the Levantine cycle, contains a large number of small human figures, depicting hunting and fighting scenes, as well as isolated animals painted in red. Gibert II has red paintings and engravings of signs belonging to the Schematic cycle.

Visits. Free access. Drive along road A-1701 following the travel direction for La Iglesuela del Cid and 10.5kms away from Mosqueruela turn into a 600m-long path that takes you to the ravine and to the entrance of the two rock-shelters, which are protected by a gate. Contact the tourist information office of Mosqueruela before visiting the rock-shelters to get updated information about the condition of the sites.

Rev. PAB 19.12.18