Cova de Bolumini

Cova Blanca


Useful Information

Location: CV-794, Km 9, 46880 Bocairent.
A-7 exit 449 Benilloba Alcoi, N-340 to Alcoi, CV-795 towards Banyeres de Mariola 3.8 km, turn right CV-794 towards Bocairent 8 km, turn right to Camping Mariola 800 m. From parking lot 1.3 km walk uphill, about 30 minutes.
(38.7596708, -0.5527566)
Open: no restrictions.
[2023]
Fee: free.
[2023]
Classification: SpeleologyKarst cave
Light: bring torch
Dimension: A=1,400 m asl.
Guided tours: self guided
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:
Address: Cova de Bolumini
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
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History

1957 excavations by Vicente Pascual Pérez.

Description

The prehistoric site Cova de Bolumini (Bolumini cave), also called Cova Blanca (White Cave), is located at a height of 1000 m asl above the village Alfafara. The cave has a 15 m high portal and is 30 m long. The portal is exceptional, as it has a slanted column in the middle, which divides the portal into two. The entrance faces the Barranc del Cantal de la Vila to the north-west. It was inhabited during the Neolithic, about 15,000 years ago. In 1957 the cave was excavated by Vicente Pascual Pérez, who discovered ceramics, necklaces, and a burial.

The mountain ridge is full of interesting sites, including ice cellars and another small cave with prehistoric remains named Cova de la Sarsa. The whole area is crisscrossed with walking trails The easiest way to reach this cave is from the single lane road to Mas dels Fontanerets. However, there are numerous other trails and routes on various hiking portals. The site is well known, and there is an Iberian fortified city named Poblado del Cabeçó de Mariola right above on the top of the hill. It was inhabited between the 9th and 1st century and had around 700 inhabitants. Like many other Iberian cities it was destroyed by the invading Romans. Both are protected by the Parc Natural de la Serra de Mariola (Serra de Mariola Natural Park).