Coin Caves

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Leiria > Batalha > São Mamede > Moita do Martinho

Location

The Grutas da Moeda (Coin Caves) are located in Moita do Martinho, a quiet area belonging to the locality of São Mamede, in the municipality of Batalha. This location is set in a predominantly natural environment, offering a serene surrounding, far from urban hustle and bustle, ideal for those seeking closer contact with the region's natural landscape.

The Subterranean Discovery

The history of Grutas da Moeda dates back to 1971, when two hunters, while chasing a fox, came across a small hole in the forest. Curiosity led them to explore this sinkhole, revealing the natural beauty of galleries full of limestone formations. For several months, they dedicated themselves to uncovering the site, discovering a set of passages of scientific and tourist interest. Since then, and with the support of geologists and speleologists, there has been a deep concern for the rigorous preservation of the cave and the entire surrounding area, maintaining its natural integrity.

A Journey of Geological Wonders

The interior of the Grutas da Moeda offers an accessible route of 350 meters, descending to a depth of 45 meters below the entrance level. Along this path, visitors are guided through several rooms and galleries, each named after the unique shapes of their stalactites and stalagmites. It is possible to admire the beauty of the Lago da Felicidade (Lake of Happiness), the expressiveness of the Sala do Presépio (Nativity Scene Room), the impressiveness of the Cascata (Waterfall), or the sensitivity of the Fonte das Lágrimas (Fountain of Tears), among other formations. The temperature inside the cave remains mild, around 18º C, constant throughout the year, providing a comfortable experience.

The Legend That Named the Place

The name "Grutas da Moeda" (Coin Caves) originates from an old local legend. Tradition tells that, once upon a time, a wealthy man from this area was robbed while passing through a nearby forest near the cave. In the confusion of the robbery, the man fell into the sinkhole, taking with him the bag of coins that the thieves so coveted. The coins scattered down the precipice and were lost forever in the depths of the earth, thus giving the name to this natural hole, known ever since as the "Algar da Moeda" (Coin Sinkhole).

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt