After knowing the best islands on the planet, today we return to Spain to show you one of the many natural wonders that can be found throughout the country. Specifically, today we are in the province of Huelva, where in addition to finding the spectacular town of Minas de Riotinto, we can enjoy the Gruta de las Maravillas, a cavity located in the urban area of the town of Aracena, which is located about 89 kilometers from Seville.
Do you want to discover this impressive corner of Huelva in more depth? Well, do not miss anything that we tell you below! We assure you that you are going to love it!
More than 2 kilometers
One of the most popular activities in the province of Huelva is the visit to the Gruta de las Maravillas and the truth is that it is not surprising, since it is a truly spectacular place, where water and stone have created formations of the most surprising . We are talking about more than 2 kilometers of extension of which about 1,200 meters can be visited. It is an impressive set of rooms, galleries, lakes and underground courses that time has been carving in the Cerro del Castillo. It is a circular route that has galleries located on 3 levels of different heights.
Formations
As we told you, what is most surprising about this place are the formations that water and stone have created over the centuries. And you can see from stalactites and stalagmites, to gours , which are like puddles or holes that form in caves. In addition, you can find streams, pisolitos and the most eccentric formations in the form of stars, hedgehogs, explosions …
The history of the Grotto of Wonders
Apparently, the Gruta de las Maravillas was discovered in 1886 by Tío Blas, a shepherd who had lost a cattle through the cavity and went in to look for it. As it is said, when he saw the formations, he came up with the name of Pozo de la Nieve , which today is the name of the street where the entrance to the cave is located. However, some experts assure that the first historical references to this place date back to 1850, when the discovery of an old mine was published in a major newspaper. In any case, it was not until 1914 when it was opened to the public, becoming the first tourist grotto in the country. Of course, at that time only a part of the cave was known. Later, in 1926 and 1987, new galleries and rooms were discovered.
The visit
As we have mentioned before, the Gruta de las Maravillas has been open to visitors since 1914. Now, the tour begins in the Sala de las Conchas, from where the first level of galleries is crossed, where you can find water, as well as different formations. This first tour ends in the Great Hall , which is the largest room in the entire cavity. From here you ascend to the second level, where the Cathedral Room, the Sultana Bath, the God Glassware and the Emerald Room await. During this part of the tour you will also discover surprising shapes. The last part of the visit begins when you descend again to the first level to see the Chickpea Rooms, the Nudes and the lake. Then we leave you with our gallery, where you will find more images of the Gruta de las Maravillas de Huelva. Do not miss it!
