Museo Arqueologico y Paleontologico
About
The Regional Archaeological Museum of the Community of Madrid (Museo Arqueológico y Paleontológico de la Comunidad de Madrid – MARPA) is a captivating journey through the rich pre‑historic and Roman heritage of the Madrid region. Housed in the former convent of La Madre de Dios in the historic town of Alcalá de Henares, it opened its doors on 25 May 1999 and has since become a cornerstone of cultural life in the community. Visitors are treated to an impressive collection of paleontological treasures, including the largest cave‑bear skull ever discovered in the Iberian Peninsula, that provides a tangible link to the ancient fauna that roamed the Iberian landscape. The Roman‑period galleries showcase an exquisite array of mosaics from the nearby Roman city of Complutum, alongside a remarkable selection of epigraphic artefacts that illustrate the everyday life of the region’s past civilizations. In addition, diverse exhibits highlight the evolution of human society, from early Neanderthal artefacts to the artifacts that helped define the Spanish identity. Whether you are an archaeology enthusiast or simply looking for a thoughtfully curated museum experience, MARPA offers a quiet yet intellectually stimulating environment that unites history and science in a single space.
Highlights
- Cave Bear Skull
- Roman Mosaics of Complutum
- Paleontological Gallery
- Epigraphic Artefacts
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
Good for
Best time to visit
The museum thrives in spring and early autumn, when the mild weather in Alcalá de Henares makes a day trip especially pleasant; early‑morning and late‑afternoon visits can also help avoid larger crowds on weekends.
At a glance
- Typical visit: about 2 hours