Museo Arqueológico (Museum of Archaeology)

Museo Arqueológico (Museum of Archaeology) Review

The biggest attraction here is a replica of the early cave paintings in Altamira. (Access to the real thing, in Cantabria Province, is highly restricted.) Also of note is La Dama de Elche, a bust of a wealthy, 5th-century BC Iberian woman; notice that her headgear is a rough precursor to the mantillas and hair combs still associated with traditional Spanish dress. The ancient Visigothic votive crowns are another highlight; discovered in 1859 near Toledo, they are believed to date back to the 8th century. The museum—currently under renovation until at least the end of 2011—shares its neoclassical building with the Biblioteca Nacional (National Library).