Cuevas de Nerja: Exploring Andalusia's Underground Cathedral

Introduction to the Caves of Nerja

Situated in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara, just a few kilometers east of the coastal town of Nerja in Malaga Province, the Cuevas de Nerja are among Spain's most treasured natural attractions. Stretching nearly five kilometers in total length, the cave system is divided into two main sections: Nerja I, which is open to the public with well-maintained stairs and pathways, and Nerja II, which remains restricted to scientific researchers due to its fragile formations.

The caves were formed over five million years ago during the Upper Miocene period through the gradual dissolution of marble rock by acidic groundwater. This slow process of karstification created vast chambers adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, natural pools known as gours, cave pearls, and delicate calcite curtains. The oldest speleothems (mineral formations) found here are estimated to be over 800,000 years old.

Discovery and Historical Significance

The caves were rediscovered on January 12, 1959, by five local teenagers: Jose Luis Barbero de Miguel, Miguel Munoz Zorrilla, Manuel Munoz Zorrilla, Jose Torres Cardenas, and Francisco Navas Montesinos. While exploring the area, they noticed bats emerging from a narrow sinkhole called La Mina and decided to investigate. Squeezing through the tight entrance, they stumbled upon vast underground chambers that had remained hidden for centuries.

Archaeological investigations quickly revealed that the caves had been far from unknown throughout history. Evidence of human occupation spans an extraordinary 35,000 years, from the Aurignacian period through the Chalcolithic age (approximately 35,000 to 3,600 years ago). Artifacts recovered include stone and bone tools, ceramic vessels, ornamental items, and animal remains that document changing patterns of human subsistence and culture across the millennia.

In 2012, researchers announced the discovery of cave paintings that may date to approximately 42,000 years ago, which would make them among the oldest known examples of cave art in the world and potentially the work of Neanderthals rather than modern humans. While this dating remains subject to ongoing scientific debate, it underscores the exceptional archaeological significance of the site.

What to See Inside

The tourist route through Nerja I covers approximately 700 meters and passes through several distinct chambers, each with its own character and notable features:

• Hall of the Nativity (Sala del Belen): The first major chamber visitors encounter, named for a rock formation said to resemble a nativity scene. The hall showcases impressive stalactite curtains and delicate formations.
• Hall of the Ghosts (Sala de los Fantasmas): Named for the eerie shapes created by mineral deposits and shadows on the walls. This chamber contains some of the cave's oldest formations.
• Hall of the Waterfall (Sala de la Cascada): Features a dramatic calcite "frozen waterfall" formation cascading down the chamber wall, created over countless millennia as mineral-laden water seeped slowly across the rock surface.
• Hall of the Cataclysm (Sala del Cataclismo): The largest accessible chamber, measuring an impressive 32 meters high and over 60 meters long. This vast space was created by an ancient seismic event that caused a massive ceiling collapse, leaving enormous boulders scattered across the floor. The chamber serves as a natural concert venue during the annual Nerja Cave Festival.

The Concert Hall of Nature

Each summer, the Hall of the Cataclysm transforms into one of the world's most extraordinary concert venues. The annual International Music and Dance Festival of the Caves of Nerja has been held since 1960, just one year after the caves' rediscovery. The natural acoustics of the vast chamber provide remarkable sound quality, and performances range from classical music and ballet to flamenco and jazz. Attending a concert here is an experience unlike any conventional venue, with ancient formations serving as the backdrop for artistic performances.

Conservation and Research

The Nerja Cave Research Foundation oversees scientific study and conservation of the site. Ongoing research areas include the dating and documentation of cave art, study of the extensive archaeological deposits, monitoring of environmental conditions to preserve formations, and investigation of the cave's unique biological ecosystems. Several species found in the caves, including certain invertebrates, are found nowhere else on Earth.

Visitor numbers are carefully managed to minimize impact on the cave environment. Temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels are continuously monitored. These measures have proven effective in maintaining the caves in excellent condition for both research and tourism.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes with good grip; the pathway includes stairs and can be damp in places
• The cave temperature is a constant 19 degrees Celsius, so bring a light layer if visiting in summer
• Photography is permitted (without flash) throughout the tourist galleries
• The site includes a restaurant, gift shop, and botanical gardens in the surrounding grounds
• Allow extra time to explore the grounds and enjoy the panoramic views of the coast from the cave entrance area
• For the annual concert festival (typically held in July), book tickets well in advance as performances sell out quickly
• The caves are accessible via a lift for visitors with reduced mobility in most sections

Exploring the Nerja Area

The town of Nerja itself is a charming coastal destination with much to offer beyond the caves. The Balcon de Europa, a palm-lined promenade jutting out over the sea, provides spectacular views along the coastline. The town's old quarter features narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and excellent restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional Andalusian cuisine. Nearby beaches including Burriana, Calahonda, and the secluded coves of Maro offer some of the best swimming and snorkeling on the Costa del Sol.

For additional planning resources, visit the official Cuevas de Nerja website and the Spain Tourism Board.