Hercules Cave
Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma
The Caves of Hercules is a fascinating archaeological and natural site located near Cape Spartel, Morocco, just 14 kilometres west of Tangier. This cave complex features two openings: one facing the sea, famously called "The Map of Africa" due to its shape resembling the African continent, and another opening to the land. The cave is partly natural and partly man-made, with the man-made sections expanded by Berber people who carved millstones from the rock. The site is steeped in mythology, believed to be where the Greek hero Heracles rested before undertaking his 11th labour to retrieve the golden apples of the Hesperides. According to legend, Heracles also created the Strait of Gibraltar by smashing through a mountain, linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The caves have a rich history, inhabited since the Neolithic era around 6000 BC and officially opened to the public in 1920. Recognized as a National Heritage site in 1952, the caves were modernized with electric lighting in 1982 and have hosted unique events such as a rock concert by Def Leppard in 1995. Today, the caves offer visitors a blend of natural beauty, historical depth, and mythic allure, making them a captivating destination on Morocco's northern coast.
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Tip: Visit during the cooler months or early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the sea views comfortably. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but it's advisable to check for any seasonal closures or renovations beforehand. Look out for discounts available for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours are recommended to fully appreciate the historical and mythological significance of the site.
Interesting facts
- •The sea opening of the cave is naturally shaped like the continent of Africa, earning it the nickname "The Map of Africa."
- •Legend claims the cave is connected by an underground tunnel under the Strait of Gibraltar to St. Michael's Cave in Gibraltar, a distance of about 24 kilometres.
- •The caves were inhabited as early as 6000 BC by Neolithic peoples, indicating a long history of human presence.
- •In 1995, the British rock band Def Leppard performed a concert in the caves, part of a record-setting series of concerts on three continents in one day.
- •The ashes of renowned artist and writer Brion Gysin were scattered in the caves in 1986.
History
The Caves of Hercules have been inhabited since approximately 6000 BC by Neolithic peoples.
Over centuries, the site evolved from a natural formation to a partly man-made complex, expanded by Berber inhabitants who carved millstones from its walls.
Officially opened to the public in 1920, the caves were declared a National Heritage site in 1952.
They were equipped with electric lighting in 1982 to enhance visitor experience.
Significant events include the scattering of artist Brion Gysin's ashes in 1986 and hosting a Guinness World Record-setting rock concert by Def Leppard in 1995.
The caves underwent closures for safety repairs in 2003 and renovations commissioned by King Mohammed VI, reopening in 2015.
Place Guide
Sea Opening - "The Map of Africa"
The cave's sea-facing opening is naturally shaped like the African continent. This unique formation is visible from the sea and is a popular photographic spot symbolizing Africa's connection to the cave's mythology and geography.
Man-Made Chambers
These parts of the cave were expanded by Berber people who quarried stone to create millstones. The chambers illustrate human interaction with the natural cave and its historical utilitarian use.
Neolithic Inhabitance Area6000 BC
Archaeological evidence shows that Neolithic peoples inhabited the caves around 6000 BC, making it one of the oldest known human settlements in the region.
Contact
Phone: 06 06 70 33 74
