Caves of Catalonia
The catalogue brings together 4876 caves of Catalonia —2926 caves and 1950 potholes— with the coordinates, description and, when available, the survey and photographs of each one.
What is a cave?
In caving, a cave is any natural void underground with access from the surface. EspeleoÍndex distinguishes two main types: caves, mostly horizontal passages that can be explored on foot, and potholes, vertical cavities that require rope techniques to descend. This distinction structures the catalogue and is what cavers use to decide the gear and preparation needed for each visit.
Caves and potholes in Catalonia
Catalan territory concentrates 4876 catalogued caves: 2926 caves and 1950 potholes. The counties with the most caves are Baix Llobregat, Berguedà, Vallès Occidental, Pallars Jussà and Noguera. Geologically, caves form mainly in soluble rock such as calcàries, conglomerats, dolomies and gresos, which water dissolves over thousands of years.
The most notable caves
The cave with the greatest drop in the catalogue is BARGADÈRA, SISTEMA DE LA, at 571 m deep. The one with the longest surveyed passages is CUBERES, COVA, at 13513 m of galleries.