Caves of Campanet

POINTS OF INTEREST / Caves of Campanet

The Caves of Campanet are situated on the southern slopes of the Sant Miquel hill in the Serra de Tramuntana in the north of Majorca. They have a surface area of approximately 3,200 square metres, are at a depth of 50 metres and have created a cavity of nearly 16,000 cubic metres. The tour, which lasts about 40 minutes, takes you on a pathway of nearly through different passages and chambers, some of which have small water pools.These chambers are known by such romantic names as Sala Romántica (the Romantic Chamber), Sala del Lago (the Lake Chamber), Castillo Encantado (Enchanted Castle), Sala de la Palmera (the Palm Tree Chamber), Cascada Sonora (Musical Waterfall) etc. These caves are noted for the fineness and richness of their calcareous deposits in the form of stalactites and stalagmites. Apart from their natural decorative qualities, different aspects have attracted the attention of scientists and naturalists. For example, whilst work has being carried out to prepare the caves for visitors, the fossilised remains of Myotragus balearicus were found, a species of goat-like bovidae endemic from Majorca and Minorca, extinct 4,000 years ago following the arrival of man on the islands. The caves have inspired painters such as Casimir Tarrassó who dedicated a series of signed oils to them in 1948; and poets such as Bartomeu Guasp i Gelabert who composed the ode "Caves of Sant Miquel" (1949). They have also been the setting for various films.