The super cool cave in Catalonia that’s like a hidden treasure trove of human history!
In the vibrant city of Tarragona, there lies a hidden gem beneath the surface – the cave of . Spanning almost four kilometers, it ranks as the seventh longest conglomerate cave globally. But what truly captivates visitors isn’t just its size, but the incredible timeline etched into its walls. Every meter tells a tale of survival, ritual, and memory.
From ancient hunters to Iberian cults
, when early human groups used the cave as a seasonal shelter during hunts. Remains of rhinoceroses, deer, and hyenas have been uncovered. As the Neolithic era dawned, the cave transformed into a permanent dwelling, revealing traces of agriculture, animal domestication, and burial customs.
The Copper Age saw the advent of ritual offerings, a tradition continued by the Iberian cultures. For them, the cave held deep significance, serving as a sacred space where they deposited ceramics and objects – many of which are still carried to the surface by the underground river.
A place of reverence, sanctuary, and enigma
As time marched on, the cave saw the arrival of coins from the classical world, hinting at distant contacts. Through the Middle Ages and the tumult of the Civil War, it retained its local importance, even serving as a powder magazine. In modern times, it has been repurposed for mushroom cultivation and cava aging.
Today, visitors can explore the cave with knowledgeable guides or embark on an adventurous journey with neoprene suits and headlamps, tracing the path of the underground river that feeds into the Francolí. The expedition halts at the first siphon, leaving a veil of mystery beyond – a poignant reminder that the cave still guards many untold secrets.
Source: [Original Source]
