Grutas de las Güixas

Aragón

Grutas de las Güixas, located in Villanúa, Aragón, Spain, is a remarkable karst cave system formed during the Quaternary period, approximately 25,000 to 30,000 years ago. These limestone caves are part of the Collarada peak's geological system and feature an internal river that floods during heavy precipitation. The cave's illuminated guided tour spans 800 meters, highlighting spectacular formations such as the Cathedral Hall, which reaches 16 meters in height, and the Chimney or Dolina, a collapsed roof area allowing natural light and air inside. Archaeological evidence reveals human presence since the Eneolithic period (around 3000 BC), with artifacts like ceramics and a Roman coin from the 4th century AD found within the cave. Historically, the caves served as a refuge through various eras, including the Carlist Wars and the Spanish Civil War. Local folklore associates the site with witchcraft gatherings called 'Aquelarres' between the 15th and 19th centuries. Modern exploration has included challenging speleological dives, with notable rescue operations in the 1970s. Opened to the public in 1929, the caves remain a major tourist attraction in Villanúa, blending scientific interest with cultural heritage and natural beauty.