The Mural of Prehistory (aka Mural de la Prehistoria) is a popular, if perhaps divisive, tourist attraction in Vinales, western Cuba.
Located approximately 3 miles from Vinales town, this massive mural on the side of Mogote Pita measures some 120 metres wide and, as the name suggests, portrays the prehistory of the region dating back from the time of the dinosaurs to the arrival of the first human inhabitants.
Commissioned by the Cuban government in 1961, the Mural of Prehistory was designed by Cuban artist Leovigildo González Morillo, a follower of acclaimed Mexican artist Diego Rivera (partner of the even more acclaimed Frida Kahlo), and took 18 – 20 artists some 4 years to complete.
Why divisive? Well, while there is no denying the scale of the work and perhaps its artistic merit too, to some it is no more than a giant act of graffiti in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
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Individual opinions aside, a visit to the Mural of Prehistory is included in pretty much every single group tour that includes Vinales in its itinerary. Those clients on a private tour of the region can decide with their guide whether they want to include a visit in their itinerary.
The site is generally open from 9am to 5pm and there is a small cafeteria onsite – fine for a drink, perhaps best avoided for a meal.
