Parpallo Cave
A mountain walk with a bit of pre-history!
Coming from Gandia, just before the outskirts of La Drova, is the starting point for several beautiful and well-marked mountain walks in the Parpalló-Borrell conservation area. However, at the Parpallo Cave – Information Centre there, one can take the opportunity to discover more than just mountain walks because it is also the starting point for a guided tour to the famous “Cueva del Parpalló” – a cave of great archaeological significance.
Inhabited by ancient man from about 29,000 until 10,000 years ago, this cave was believed to be a meeting point for the various clans that lived along the Mediterranean coast at the time, facilitating trade as well as increasing the gene pool amongst the different groups. Of great significance are the very many examples of cave art (mainly scratched-out pictures on the rock) that were discovered here, far more than at any other site in Europe. Many of these, as well as tools and weapons, are now on display in the Prehistoric Museum in Valencia and MUSEU ARQUEOLÒGIC Gandia.
Guided visits to the cave can be arranged, and these start with a video in the Information Centre followed by a walk to the cave itself – about 15 minutes up the mountain along a wide and well-maintained track. The cave is protected from impromptu visitors by fencing and a gate, but your guide will give you access to the mouth of the cave, where there is a viewing platform. The guide will then indicate the different parts of the huge cave and the uses they were put to.
If you expect to be able to walk inside a vast, deep cave with walls adorned by brightly painted pictures of ancient life, then you will be disappointed. However, if you like the idea of a walk in beautiful surroundings with some really interesting history thrown in, then maybe this is a truly unique excursion to consider. Afterwards, if you feel so inclined, you can continue up the mountain towards the summit and enjoy the spectacular views along the way. Alternatively, you can carry on into the picturesque village of Barx for a meal or a drink and your day will be complete!
