Cau de l'Olivar d'en Margall

Cau de l'Olivar d'en Margall is a small burial cave in the Montgrí massif, within the municipality of Torroella de Montgrí (Baix Empordà, Catalonia), dating from the Chalcolithic (Copper Age). The name traces back to a surprising discovery story tied to one resident's olive grove.

What will you see?

The site's history is as interesting as the cave itself: at Mont Pla, a Mr. Margall of Torroella owned an olive grove that made his neighbors envious with its exceptional fertility. The secret lay in soil extracted from a small cave that had preserved Neolithic burial remains for millennia — the organically rich earth was fertilizing his olive trees. Archaeologist Dr. Lluís Pericot solved the mystery in the early 20th century, discovering with surprise the true source of the grove's remarkable productivity during a field excursion.

The cave belongs to a group of Chalcolithic burial caves in the Montgrí massif, alongside Cau dels Ossos (at Muntanya Gran) and Cau del Tossal Gros, and is thematically linked to Cau del Duc d'Ullà, Cau de les Dents, and Cau d'en Calvet — together forming a network of sepulchral sites documenting the region's prehistoric settlement.

How to get there?

The cave lies within the Montgrí massif, reachable via hiking trails connecting several nearby archaeological sites — a route described as "Massís del Montgrí" passes through Cau de la Figuera, Cau de l'Olivar d'en Margall, and Cau de les Dents. It's best to start from Torroella de Montgrí.

When to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for exploring the rocky Montgrí massif — mild temperatures and lower heat risk make longer routes between the caves easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the cave's name come from? From Mr. Margall, owner of a nearby olive grove, who unknowingly fertilized his trees with soil dug from the cave, rich in Neolithic burial remains.

Who discovered the true significance of the site? Archaeologist Dr. Lluís Pericot, in the early 20th century, during fieldwork in the Montgrí region.

What period does the cave date from? The Chalcolithic (Copper Age) — it's one of several burial caves from this period in the Montgrí massif.

What other sites are worth combining with a visit? Cau dels Ossos, Cau del Tossal Gros, Cau del Duc d'Ullà, Cau de les Dents, and Cau d'en Calvet — all forming a network of prehistoric burial caves in the region.