A not very known place but that can be a perfect visit when we think about what to do in Andalusia is the Cueva del Tesoro, in the province of Malaga. But what makes it so special? Why do we talk of a unique natural heritage?
Perhaps, the most outstanding aspect of the Cueva del Tesoro ("Treasure Cave" in spanish), also called Cueva del Higuerón or Cueva del Suizo ("Swiss Cave"), is that we are talking about a unique natural space in Europe. It´s one of the three caves known of underwater origin on the world and the only one in Europe, we can find the otherones in Mexico and China.
It quickly draws our attention due to it´s shapes, it´s stalactites and it´s small lakes. As soon as we go down along the galleries, we are going to feel the first change in the air and temperature, although it´s going to happen again when we enter to some of the labyrinthine galleries.
A little bit of history
The origin of the cave is due to the action of the waves and currents, which were shaping it in times when this place was below the sea level. Later, the entire El Cantal area would emerge, and it´s caves, gorges, columns and cathedral ceilings became accessible.
Inside, many samples of ancient art have been found, as well as human and animal remains from the Paleolithic and Bronze Age. Several of these ceramic and flint objects are nowadays exhibited at the National Archaeological Museum of Madrid, highlighting an arrowhead from the Solutrean.
It has also been considered a place of refuge, in the case of the roman Marco Crassus, and of worship, which is reflected in the room dedicated to the goddess Noctiluca, legendary Phoenician queen worshiped by the ancient Mediterranean peoples.
What does it get it´s current name from?
Between history and legend, stories told us about an old treasure hidden here by the almoravid Yusuf Ibn Tasufín, one of the five Muslim kings, who when being harassed by the Christian conquests decided to hide his enormous wealth in this cave back in the twelfth century.
Historians such as Manuel Laza Palacio even found six gold coins, together with certain references in ancient texts give plausibility to the possibility that this treasure is real, something different is to find it...
Who was the Swiss?
Antonio de la Nari was a 19th century Swiss researcher who have dedicated his life to finding the treasure, having spent more than thirty years on his work.
He dug galleries and paved the way in his dreamy search for the story behind the legend. Unfortunately, he died in 1847 when one of the explosions hit him.
If you want to discover more secrets of this land, discover the Travel Factory Andalusia experiences.
