In 2002 the cave art found at Altamira was made off limits to tourists due to the growth of mold on the cave walls. Now a new study is underway to determine if there is a way to reintroduce visitors to the caves in a way that fits in with the conservation efforts to preserve the 22,000-year-old cave art.
The scientists who oppose any kind of reopening argue that visitors alter temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels, helping spread microbial colonization on the walls and ceiling of the cave, while air currents caused by visitors erode wall and sediment surfaces.
Still, it would be “a major disappointment” if the latest scientific study concluded that the cave should remain shut, said Mar González, the official in charge of tourism in the neighboring town hall of Santillana del Mar. Even if it only reopened to a very limited number of visitors, she argued, “it would be amazing to at least have the chance to see this magical cave.”
Story: Raphael Minder, NYT | Photo: Alberto Aja/European Pressphoto Agency
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