What is the History of Cuevas Los Tarantos?

Cuevas Los Tarantos is a unique cultural phenomenom located in the heart of Spain’s Málaga Province. It is an underground site of immense importance in terms of its cultural and archaeological riches, and its modern-day relevance to the region and spain at large. This guide seeks to explain what Cuevas Los Tarantos is, detail a brief history of the cave complex, and discuss the unique features and opportunities that it offers today.

What is Cuevas Los Tarantos?

Cuevas Los Tarantos is a 20,000 sqm cave complex that lies underneath a hillside some 25km from Málaga, in Spain’s Andalucia region. It consists of a vast network of subterranean galleries, chambers and pathways, all of which are populated by an amazing array of calcite formations. These incredible structures are often known as speleothems, and are created when mineral-rich waterways seep through the caves, precipitating deposits and structures of such beauty and grandeur that they often defy description.

The Cave’s History

Cuevas Los Tarantos has a complex and interesting history, with links to the infamous outlaws of Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains and some of the earliest known human settlements in the region. It is believed to have been used by prehistoric man as a form of dwelling during prehistory, with evidence of cave paintings within its winding cavities.Around 600BC, the area of Cuevas Los Tarantos was home to a number of ancient settlements and farms. It is likely that members of these communities visited the cave in order to exploit its bounty of water sources, which provided an invaluable resource to their agricultural endeavours.The cave’s importance during this period can be seen in its name, which is derived from the Latin tarentum – “tomb’ or “grave of the dead’ – suggesting that it was a place to which the people of the area would bring their deceased for burial or internment.The cave complex was also home to some notorious bandits during the nineteenth century. These outlaws – known as Los Tarantos – are said to have used the caves as a base from which they could launch raids on the towns of Málaga and Antequerno during the Napoleonic Wars. Both Jean-Pierre-Cazier de Meral, a French general stationed in the area, and Francisco de los Cobos y Gordon, an officer of King Francis I, are said to have explored the caves before being driven off by the bandits. In 1880, Cuevas Los Tarantos was finally opened to the public, with visitors entering via a specially installed train which ferried them into the belly of the hill where the caves lie.

What Makes Cuevas Los Tarantos So Special?

Cuevas Los Tarantos provides a unique blend of cultural and natural riches that make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Spain’s south eastern coast. It promises an array of spectacular views, with its winding caverns filled with awe-inspiring geology and its copious ore-bearing stalactites adorning almost every surface.Visitors can also explore some 800 metres of courseways, hardened lava and onyx galleries, with vast corridors that open up into large chambers filled with wondrous cave systems just waiting to be discovered. As well as being home to diverse geological features, Cuevas Los Tarantos also boasts well-preserved archaeological remains from its many eras of occupation – offering visitors a unique insight into the prehistoric past.

Current Visit Opportunities

Today Cuevas Los Tarantos is operated as a tourist attraction by private enterprise, with access regulated in accordance with health and safety guidelines and environmental constraints. Visitors can reach the caves via a specially designated tourist train that takes 25 minutes to travel between the nearby town of Málaga and the hillside where the entrance lies. Once there, visitors should be aware that although electric lighting is installed within some parts of the complex, most pathways should still be navigated with a portable torch or flashlight. Additionally, it should be noted that access to some areas of Cuevas Los Tarantos may also be restricted due to ongoing works conducted by researchers and archaeologists investigating the area. As such, these areas should not be entered without prior notification or permission.

What Can You See At Cuevas Los Tarantos?

Visitors to Cuevas Los Tarantos can explore 800 metres worth of passages, with sights including:

• A Geological Auditorium – accessible from an external staircase – where guided tours are available.
• A vast expanse of onyx galleries filled with fascinating speleothems.
• A giant lava flow, where visitors can explore hardened rocks left behind from ancient eruptions.
• The Tomb Passage – where evidence of burials have been found.
• The Volcano Passage – whose shape hints to its geographic origin.
• The Lion Passageway – reminiscent of a proud and noble animal’s face.
• The River Passage – where visitors can follow narrow meandering pathways through wax-like stalagmites.
• Investigation sites – currently closed to ordinary visitors – where archaeologists carry out excavations looking for further evidence of human activity within the caves.

Conclusion

Cuevas Los Tarantos is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets – a subterranean world filled with geological marvels and archaeological treasures that rarely fail to impress even the most seasoned travellers. Its fascinating history has seen it used by humans for thousands of years, whilst its spectacular geology has created a unique environment that provides an exclusive opportunity for travellers to explore both ancient caverns and modern-day history all at once. Tierre Group has recently purchased the caves from local authorities and is working hard to ensure this incredible natural wonder continues to attract visitors from around the world. So if you’re ever in Málaga Province – be sure to visit this remarkable sight – you won’t regret it!