The Côa river source is in Malcata mountain range, and flows as an affluent into the Douro river.

In the last course of the Côa river Valley we can see all the Paleolithic art and archaeological sites. The schist rocks that occupy the valley have been converted into art canvases with hundreds of engravings.

The Côa river Valley is one of the world´s most important rock art sites, displaying open-air artistic manifestations from different moments of Prehistoric, Protohistoric and Historic time.

This Paleolithic open-air engravings show how this place is so special and significant, that is why it was classified as the Word Heritage by UNESCO.

Along the Côa River, we can see all the expressive art of men´s of Paleolithic.

In consequence of the recognition of the cultural heritage, history and artistic interest of this rock art sites it was created in 1996, the Côa Valley Archeological Park .

The purpose of this foundation is to manage, protect and disclose the Côa Valley rock art.

The Côa Valley Archaeological Park has more than 70 different sites, with many rock´s art manifestations.

The rock art sites were classified as Word Heritage by UNESCO in 1998.

This rock art site is located in Cidadelhe and belongs to the Valley Archeological Park.

It has a singular interest, due to the techniques utilized in the Paleolithic engravings, such as the paintings.

This Côa art site was listed as National Monument in 1997 and was inscribed on UNESCO Word Heritage list in 1998.

The motifs and techniques used in the engravings are related to the representation of animals, ancient wild bullock and goat; it also represented the movement, horseman's, men's, long cavalry spear, and related to a modern age, the figuration of mills.

There is so much to find out if you visit the Côa Museum! You would appreciate the nature, the impressive landscapes of Côa Valley and will know more about the Paleolithic engravings.

Also, the story and history of the men´s Upper Paleolithic age, theirs testimony and world representation.

The Côa Museum objective is to promote the Paleolithic rock art of Côa Valley.

The museum exhibits original pieces of movable art; it also has some interactive zones with digital technology, a library with many scientific and archaeological books and organizes visits to the rock art sites in the Côa Valley with specialized guides.