PROVENANCE AND BACKGROUND:
The Vall de Côa Foundation, officially known as the Côa Parque Foundation, is a Portuguese institution established in 2011 with the purpose of managing and preserving the Côa Valley Archaeological Park and the Côa Museum, located in the northeastern region of Portugal, near Vila Nova de Foz Côa. Its primary mission is the protection, conservation, research, and promotion of the exceptional Paleolithic rock art of the Côa Valley, one of the world’s most significant collections of open-air engravings, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Additionally, the foundation aims to foster the integrated development of the region, emphasizing the economic and cultural value of this heritage as a driver of progress and well-being.
The Côa Valley is home to thousands of engravings created between 22,000 and 10,000 years ago, primarily depicting animals such as horses, deer, and bovids, offering a unique window into the lives and beliefs of prehistoric societies. The foundation not only ensures their preservation but also promotes scientific research and public education through exhibitions, publications, and interactive activities at the Côa Museum, which opened in 2010. This museum blends modern architecture with a didactic approach, featuring replicas, projections, and analyses that provide context for the archaeological findings.
Background and Focus:
The Côa heritage, recognized as a World Heritage Site, is managed with a focus on conservation, study and cultural promotion. The foundation works actively in the preservation of this legacy, implementing educational and cultural programs that allow visitors and scholars to learn about and appreciate prehistoric art. Their experience is key to enriching the heritage component of the project.