Mural de la Prehistoria Guide
A Giant Leap Back in Time: The Mural de la Prehistoria Guide
The Mural de la Prehistoria, a colossal painting on the side of a mogote (limestone hill) in the Viñales Valley, is a striking and somewhat controversial landmark. Created by Cuban artist Leovigildo González Morillo in 1961, it depicts the evolutionary history of life in the region, from mollusks and dinosaurs to early humans. While its artistic merit is debated, it's undeniably a unique and visually impressive sight. Commissioned by Fidel Castro, the mural was intended to be a symbol of the Cuban Revolution and a celebration of the country's natural history. González Morillo and his team spent four years painting the mural directly onto the rock face, using natural pigments and a complex scaffolding system. The mural covers an area of approximately 120 meters long and 80 meters high, making it one of the largest paintings in the world. Visitors can admire the mural from a viewing platform located at the base of the mogote. There are also opportunities to take boat rides on the nearby lake, offering a different perspective of the artwork. The area surrounding the mural features a restaurant and bar where you can enjoy traditional Cuban food and drinks. The restaurant often serves dishes featuring local ingredients, such as pork, chicken, and rice and beans.
Transportation
The Mural de la Prehistoria is located a few kilometers outside of Viñales town. The most common way to get there is by taxi or bicycle. Many tour operators also offer excursions to the mural, often combined with other attractions in the Viñales Valley. You can also take a tourist bus that stops at the mural.