The Cova des Coloms cave is one of the most frequently visited sites by both local and visiting hikers, due both to the beauty of the natural environment of the Binigaus ravine in Es Migjorn Gran, as well as to its truly spectacular dimensions; it is not in vain that it is referred to locally as “The Cathedral”.
Like most natural caves in Menorca, it is of karst origin, and was formed by the circulation of underground water currents that continuously eroded the calcareous rock over time. It is 25 metres high, 20 metres wide and 110 metres deep.
Schedule: Access open year-round
Price: Free
Open: Yes
Access: The cave is located in the Binigaus ravine, approximately 1.6 km southwest of Es Migjorn Gran. Vehicles can be parked at the Es Migjorn cemetery and then follow the Malagarba trail, which is sign posted.
Car Park: No car park.
The nearest parking is at the town cemetery.
Guided tours: No
Visitor information panels are posted.
Contact:
Services: No
Access for individuals with reduced mobility: No
More information See map
More information:
Late talayotic period
The Cova de Coloms cave has not only sparked the interest of Menorcan residents, but also that of numerous historians and archaeologists over many decades now. Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria was one of the first to mention this cave and propose its possible utilisation during Menorcan prehistory. It was also cited by the French archaeologist Émile Cartailhac (1845-1921) in his work,
Monuments primitifs des îles Baléares (1892). In 1914 and 1915, Professor Antoni Vives Escudero (1859-1925) carried out excavations on its interior, which revealed an array of archaeological materials that suggested the cave’s use as a burial site during the Talayotic period. The most spectacular find from this early excavation involved two bronze ox horns that may be associated with beliefs regarding the holy nature of this animal, especially when considered alongside other finds like the small bronze ox figure from Torralba d’en Salort.
Whatever the cave’s historic purpose was, it is easy to imagine that its sheer size would have impressed prehistoric Menorcans, especially considering that in their eyes, underground sites were typically assigned a noteworthy symbolic component.
Unfortunately, little information is available regarding this archaeological site, as no further intensive archaeological excavations or additional research has been carried out that could potentially provide more thorough data. On either side of the entrance there are signs of what may have been prehistoric walls used to close off the cave from the outside.