Cueva de los Muñecos
The Cueva de los Muñecos (Cave of the Dolls) is located in one of the most rugged areas of the Sierra Morena, within the Despeñaperros Natural Park. Situated in a ravine surrounded by enormous stone formations, it is one of several caves that have been excavated. The largest of these, measuring approximately 50 metres in depth, likely formed the boundary of a sacred enclosure.
The Cueva de los Muñecos is named after the large number of bronze figurines and votive offerings found in the area. This sanctuary from the Iberian era has yielded many of these pieces, which are important for understanding bronzework, religion, clothing, jewellery and weapons in that society. More than 2,500 offerings have been found in the nearby Collado de los Jardines and over 2,000 in nearby Castellar; almost all are kept in the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid. These dolls were cast using the “lost wax” technique, which was the traditional method of making bronzes in Ancient Hispania. The largest batch of votive offerings was found in a dump in the upper part of the ravine; others were found in the cracks of the rocks.
The Cueva de los Muñecos is not really a cave in the classical sense but but a wide crevice in the overhanging rock face and deep well-like hole several metres deep, with iron railings protecting it from visitors. This is where the Iberians threw their votive offerings as an offering to request favours from Mother Earth.
Practical Info
There is an Interpretation Centre dedicated to the historical and cultural heritage of the Despeñaperros Natural Park located by the side of the J-6110 road where the visitor can park the car and take a 500m path which descends to the Cueva de los Muñecos. Another 500m path ascends to the as well to the top of a hill and a viewpoint known as Cerro del Castillo. This spot offers magnificent views over the Andalucia countryside and across into Castilla la Mancha. The visitor can also looking down into the steep sided valley below where Motorway and the Railway weave their way over viaducts and through tunnels. It is a quiet spot where few tourist tread.
On the other side of the road there is another forest track which leads to another rocky area called El Cerro del Corzo, which also has spectacular 360º views.
To stay in the area there is the farm-rural house nearby also called El Collado de los Jardines.
Nearest villages are Santa Elena; 11 km away and Aldeaquemada which is 18 km away and near the Cascada La Cimbarra waterfall.
Location
Located north east of Santa Elena, off the J-6110 renamed J-6200.