In the heart of Galicia lies a town that is home to a unique underground gem: the community’s deepest cave, a impressive natural treasure full of stalactites, stalagmites and a spectacular underground lake with turquoise waters. It is located in the Monts de Courel geopark, a region rich in natural and geological heritage. Getting to this unique place will be very easy if you use apps like Moovit.
Over the years, caving teams have revealed hidden wonders insidemaking this cave a place of great interest for both scientists and adventurers.
The discovery of the cave was fruit of the meticulous work of several teams of Galician speleologists who explored more than two kilometers of galleries and wells. During their journey, they discovered an impressive underground lake with crystal clear turquoise waters, as well as various speleothem formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites and columns that had remained intact for centuries. These discoveries not only enrich the geological knowledge of Galicia, but also highlight the importance importance of preserving this fragile natural environment.
One of the cave’s highlights is the wide variety of speleothems, mineral formations created by the filtration of water over thousands of years. Among the most remarkable are helicites, eccentric formations that develop in unpredictable directions, and pisolites, small limestone nodules. These structures They transform the cave into an underground natural museumwhere every corner surprises with unprecedented landscapes that challenge the imagination.
In addition to geological formations, the underground lake This is one of the great wonders of the cave. Its turquoise blue waters, perfectly transparent, have been explored using caving techniques, which has made it possible to study its origin and characteristics. This type of lake is not common in Galician caves, which makes the discovery even more relevant. In addition, it adds a striking visual component which increases the tourist and scientific value of the place.
News after recent explorations
One of news the most important in recent explorations has been the localization of a second entrance to the cave. This new entrance, named Cova Emilio in homage to a recently deceased local speleologist, will allow underground travel. These routes allow you to enter through one mouth of the cave and exit through another, offering a unique experience to cavers and adventurers who wish to enter this natural labyrinth.
The local community played a vital role in these discoveries. The inhabitants of the village of Campelo, near the cave, collaborated with exploration teamsproviding logistical support and sharing historical knowledge about the region. The sinkhole has been known to locals for decades, but only now, thanks to the coordinated efforts of cavers and scientists, has it been fully mapped and all its wonders documented.
The Montañas do Courel Geopark, where this cave is located, is a protected area that stands out for its enormous ecological and geological value. In addition to this abyss, andThe geopark is home to more than 10 kilometers of known cavesmaking it an ideal destination for nature and caving lovers. Recent discoveries reinforce the importance of continuing to explore and protect these spaces which can still hold many surprises.
In order to publicize the most recent discoveries, a dissemination day open to the public was organized. This activity, which will take place at the Seoane do Courel Research Station, will include lectures given by experienced cavers and guided tours of other nearby caves. This day promises to be a unique opportunity to discover the exciting underground world of Galicia and the incalculable value of its geological heritage.
