Mysteries unveiled at Science Week

HUNDREDS of people participated in a hugely successful Science Week held by the Nerja Cave Foundation. Stretching from November 11-18 the event saw students, ecologists, families and local residents come along for a feast of insight, knowledge and understanding.

Lucky guests were offered a guided tour through the famous caves where they learned about their formation over millions of years. Guides went into great detail explaining the key events, including huge earthquakes, which contributed to the caves’ unique geological make-up.

Visitors also learned about the scientific team unravelling the mysteries of the underground labyrinth. They were treated to tours of the laboratory, weather station and library, gaining a unique insight into the rigours of scientific study.

The Nerja Caves are one of the most fascinating places to visit in all Spain. Comprising a series of caverns formed millions of years ago, they were inhabited by prehistoric humans until about the Bronze Age around 3,000 BC.

The five kilometre long lair was discovered quite by accident by five young local boys in 1959 and the significance of their finding was quickly realised by geologists. They contain the world’s largest stalagmite, a rock formation which rises up from the floor, which measures 13 metres by seven metres.