The mysterious Treasure Cave nestled in the cliffs of la Axarquia

IMPRESSIVE: The marine cave can be visited all year round.

In Rincon de la Victoria, there is an area known as ‘El Cantal’ that is home to a series of cliffs that were formed in Jurassic times. These cliffs overlook the Mediterranean and hide a prize within: The Treasure Cave.
Only three caves of marine origin are known in the world, this cave being the only one in the European Continent. The stories and legends surrounding the mysterious cave date back to the Palaeolithic and the Early Bronze Age. But it was the Romans and the Arabs who were truly obsessed with the cave and the treasure buried within.
Long before the significance of the Treasure Cave was known, local inhabitants attributed magical and paranormal phenomena to the area. In the twelfth century, many believed that the emperor of the Almoravid dynasty, Tasufín Ibn Ali, hid an impressive treasure in the cavern. Others believed that the treasures were hidden by five Moorish Kings who had fled from the revolts of their lands.
When a series of garnets appeared in the cave in the eighteenth century, little doubt remained that the legends were true. Swiss Antonio de la Nari, dedicated his life exploring the cave and opening new galleries with explosives. But his intense fascination with the cave would finally take his life. He tragically died within the rocky shelter in 1847, killed by his own explosives.
But it was Mr. Manuel Laza Palacio who carried out the deepest study of the cave. He owned it for almost four decades until his death in 1988. During his work, he was stunned to find an oil lamp and six pure gold coins from the Almoravid dynasty.

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