Cau del Duc d'Ullà

Cau del Duc d'Ullà is a small karst cave in the municipality of Ullà, in the Baix Empordà region, on the southern slope of the Montgrí massif in Catalonia, Spain. Archaeologically significant for its Lower and Middle Paleolithic finds, it also makes for an easy, short hiking destination for visitors exploring the area around Torroella de Montgrí.

Where is it?

The cave sits at around 241 metres above sea level, on a hillside overlooking the village of Ullà. It should not be confused with the larger and better-known Cau del Duc del Montgrí, located elsewhere in the same massif — the name "cau del duc" (the duke's den) is used for more than one rock formation of similar shape in this part of Catalonia.

How to get there?

The most convenient starting point is Torroella de Montgrí, from where a marked footpath leads toward Ullà and up the lower slopes of Montgrí. The walk is gentle, with no technical difficulty, and pairs well with a visit to Ullà itself, a village known for its well-preserved medieval layout. Ullà is reachable by car, and the final stretch to the cave follows an unmarked but clearly visible track on foot.

What will you see?

The entrance faces southwest and forms an almost perfectly circular opening about 1.4 metres wide. It widens inward into a chamber measuring roughly 3.4 by 2 metres. The floor slopes downward, forming a basin-like depression where, over thousands of years, sediment layers accumulated and became fixed within limestone breccia — the very feature that turned the site into a valuable archaeological deposit.

Excavations dating back to the 1920s — first documented in 1922 by Matías Pallarès and Lluís Pericot — uncovered numerous animal bones and stone tools indicating human presence during the Lower and Middle Paleolithic. These finds are now on display at the Museu Mediterrani in Torroella de Montgrí, allowing visitors to pair the site visit with historical context.

When to visit?

Thanks to its southern exposure and modest elevation, the site can be visited year-round. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for the approach, while summer visitors should aim for early morning to avoid the Costa Brava heat. In winter, the trail tends to be quiet, making for an unhurried visit.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see anything inside the cave without a guide? Yes, the entrance is easily accessible and the chamber can be viewed without specialist equipment, though a torch is useful since the interior has no lighting.

Is the cave suitable for children? The approach is straightforward, but the final stretch crosses uneven hillside terrain, so caution is advised with younger children.

Where can I see the archaeological finds from this site? Artifacts from the excavations are held at the Museu Mediterrani in Torroella de Montgrí, a few kilometres away.

Is this the same place as Cau del Duc del Montgrí? No — despite the similar name, it is a different, smaller cave. Cau del Duc del Montgrí is larger and lies in another part of the massif.