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All Portugal Vila Nova de Foz Côa Côa Museum
AO Edited

Côa Museum

An architectural gem nestled into a promontory overlooking a prehistoric landscape.

Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Portugal

Added By
Bucky Edgett
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At first, it seems a bit obscure.   Bucky Edgett / Atlas Obscura User
Then, you see a way in, into the ground.   Bucky Edgett / Atlas Obscura User
Once down in the ground-floor restaurant, you have the opportunity to go outside.   Bucky Edgett / Atlas Obscura User
The other side of the museum. looming like the promontory on which it is sited.   Bucky Edgett / Atlas Obscura User
The mouth of the Coa River entering the Douro.   Bucky Edgett / Atlas Obscura User
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This building resembles a large outcrop emerging from the soil. It houses a trove of information about the prehistoric world that existed in the Côa River valley. 

During the early 1990s, a discovery was made along the banks of the Côa River. Researchers found several locations where flat rock faces above the river contained prehistoric rock art. Unfortunately at the time of this find, plans were underway to build a dam at the mouth of the river to flood the valley. This was designed to store water for release into the Douro River during dry summer months.

After some controversy, the dam project was shut down. The rock art sites in the Côa Valley were designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998. At the same time, a park and museum were also in the works.

Today, that marvelous museum is perched on a small promontory above the mouth of the Côa River. Exhibits highlight the region's rich history. 

Related Tags

Museums Archaeology History & Culture

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Visits to the rock art sites must be made through the museum, or possibly through licensed guides. For licensed pictures inside the museum, please see the museum website.

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Added By

Bucky Edgett

Published

January 21, 2021

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Sources
  • https://arte-coa.pt/en/museum/
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prehistoric_Rock_Art_Sites_in_the_C%C3%B4a_Valley
Côa Museum
Rua do Museu
Vila Nova de Foz Côa, 5150-610
Portugal
41.079991, -7.111782
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Photo of Vila Nova de Foz Côa

Vila Nova de Foz Côa

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Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Portugal

miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Vila Nova de Foz Côa

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