Every year, new objects of both natural and artificial origin are inscribed on the UNESCO list. The received status of cultural heritage ensures the protection of these objects, contributes to the development of tourism in countries where unique attractions are located. This year, the list of UNESCO replenished with 26 new sites. Among them was the oldest cave ever discovered on Earth. Her age is estimated at 32, 000 years.
Cave Pan d'Arc (Grotte Chauvet-Pont d'Arc) is located in the south-central part of France in a chalky plateau along the Ardeche River. On the walls of this ancient monument of primitive culture, well-preserved rock paintings were discovered. According to experts, they were created using painting techniques, prints, three-dimensional graphics. With amazing anatomical accuracy, figures of bison, bears, mammoths, rhinos, snow leopards and some other animals are drawn here.
The mystery and uniqueness of this cave lies not only in its age (32, 000 years), but also in the fact that it is the only UNESCO cultural heritage site that will never be presented to the general public. The cave was discovered about 20 years ago, access to it is forbidden to everyone except specialists.
It is assumed that the preservation of the ancient drawings in their original form was ensured by a landslide that sealed the inlet of the cave about 20, 000 years ago. Experts have concerns that the penetration of man into the underground sanctuary will lead to the development of mold microorganisms, which will destroy the unique cave art of an ancient person.
These precautions are practical. In the forties of the last century, another ancient cave, Lascaux, was discovered in France. Numerous excursions to this monument of primeval creativity led to the deterioration of most wall paintings due to the formation of fungal infections. Today, the entrance to the Lascaux cave is also closed to the public.
French authorities promise that by the end of 2014, an exact copy of the unique cave of Pan d'Arc will be created. Here, tourists interested in history will be able to get acquainted with samples of primitive art.
