Immersing yourself in history has never been more exciting than in the prehistoric caves of L’Espluga de Francolí. This fascinating enclave, located in the heart of Conca de Barberà, allows visitors to travel back thousands of years to discover how our ancestors lived. It is a perfect destination for families, history lovers and adventurers seeking authentic experiences.
Located less than 40 minutes from Tarragona, Reus and Costa Dorada towns such as Salou, Cambrils and La Pineda, L’Espluga de Francolí invites you to experience first-hand the origins of this town, which dates back 37,000 years.
If you are passionate about history and want to live a unique experience in an impressive natural environment, this is a destination you can’t miss. Moreover, with the shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, offered by Shuttle2Sun, you can get to Tarragona, Reus and other towns of Costa Dorada, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
The Caves of l’Espluga de Francolí, one of the longest caves in the world
The Caves of Espluga de Francolí are among the most impressive underground treasures in Catalonia and, stretching over three kilometres, they are considered one of the longest conglomerate caves in the world. Its route takes us back to prehistoric times, in an environment where nature and history intertwine in a surprising way.
The Font Major
These caves, located in the massif of the Prades Mountains, have been shaped for centuries by the waters of the Francolí River, which flows underground.
Its origin lies in the Font Major spring of l’Espluga de Francolí, which gives its name to one of the most remarkable caves in the area: the Font Major Cave. Interestingly, this cave was discovered by chance when a neighbour tried to build a well in his house.
This spring, which springs at the foot of the municipality, has been key to the formation of the karstic system that gives life to the caves. The water had been excavating galleries and rooms, creating a unique underground landscape that today we can explore through a route that combines archaeology, history and adventure.
A Palaeolithic sanctuary with 37,000 years of history
In 2019, an exceptional discovery shook the world of archaeology: a Palaeolithic sanctuary with more than 300 cave engravings in the caves of l’Espluga de Francolí. It is the first sanctuary with figurative and abstract Paleolithic cave art documented in Catalonia. Dating back more than 37,000 years, these representations confirm that the site was inhabited by prehistoric communities in the Palaeolithic period.
Come to L’Espluga de Francolí to know in detail the prehistoric past of this town! Shuttle2Sun offers its shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, to Tarragona, Reus and other towns of Costa Dorada, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Cave art
The discovery was made when a team of experts was investigating the cave’s galleries with advanced lighting and scanning techniques. At that moment, researcher Josep Maria Vergès uncovered a series of engravings that had gone remained unnoticed for decades.
The figures depicted include animals such as deer, horses and oxen, recurring symbols in the cave art of the time. In addition, abstract signs have been identified, the meaning of which is still under study.
The Palaeolithic sanctuary of l’Espluga de Francolí is an exceptional testimony to the symbolic thought of the first inhabitants of the region. However, due to the fragility of the inscriptions and to guarantee their conservation, access to the original space is restricted. Nevertheless, visitors can enjoy a detailed recreation of the engravings in the museum tour of the caves, where their historical context and discovery process are explained.
Route for the more adventurous
For those looking for a more immersive experience, the Adventure Route offers the opportunity to explore the caves of l’Espluga de Francolí in a unique way: equipped with helmet, headlamp and wetsuit, like real speleologists. This activity allows you to explore the cave’s most hidden galleries, following the underground course of the Francolí river, which in some sections requires walking, crawling or even wading through the water.
During the tour, participants can discover spectacular geological formations, narrow passages and hidden rooms, all while learning about the geological and archaeological history of the site. They can also discover the Lake Gallery, where Iberian rituals were performed; and the Sala de la Biela, also known as the Sala Caòtica.
The Adventure Route is a guided experience, recommended for families and friends who want to experience prehistory at first hand. Undoubtedly, a different and exciting way to explore one of the most fascinating cave systems in Catalonia.
Workshops for the whole family
The Caves of l’Espluga de Francolí not only offer a fascinating visit, but also allow you to learn in an interactive way with family workshops. Among the most remarkable activities are the excavation workshop, where children can become archaeologists; and the cave art workshop, where they can recreate the painting techniques used by the first settlers; among other hand-on experiences.
The Caves of l’Espluga de Francolí are an essential destination for lovers of history, adventure and family tourism. Remember that with Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, you can travel to Tarragona, Reus and other towns on Costa Dorada, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
