The Museo Arqueológico de la Diputación de Alicante has closed last Sunday the exhibition '.Cova de l'Or: Site museum, research, protection and opening of a sanctuary from the 6th millennium BC.This coincides with the end of the open days both at the Interpretation Centre of this enclave and at the site itself in Beniarrés, after its opening to the public with a guided tour service on 11th June.
During these six months, up to 11,356 visitors have had the opportunity to discover the architectural and archaeological richness of the cave thanks to a museum proposal for all audiences framed in an impressive exhibition design.
The pieces that make up the exhibition are now returning to their respective origins, the showcases of the MARQ and the Museu Arqueològic Municipal Camil Vicedo Moltó de Alcoy.
During these six months, history and nature lovers have had the opportunity to discover here the architectural and archaeological richness of the cave thanks to a museum proposal for all audiences framed in an impressive exhibition design.
The aim of this proposal was to enhance the value of this important archaeological site in the Benicadell mountain range, which is essential for our knowledge of the Neolithic period on the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula.
Also, During the weekends of June, and thanks to an agreement between the MARQ Foundation and the Beniarrés Town Council, a tour of cultural and scenic interest including the cave and the Interpretation Centre of the site, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, has been organised, which has attracted a total of 565 visitors, 241 to the site and 324 to the Interpretation Centre. Guided visits to the site will resume in September.
Discovered in the 1930s, various archaeological excavations have been carried out at the site. In the 21st century, the MARQ proposed several interventions in relation to the project to enhance and open up the cave, which have allowed us to learn more about the mouth of the cave and its surroundings.
The material elements found in the Cova de l'Or testify to the importance of the occupation in the Early Neolithic period (5500-5000 BC), when the cave was an ideal place for habitation. The discovery of an important repertoire of symbolic pottery indicates that it was a special place, a sanctuary where ceremonies and rites could have been performed.
