Cau d'en Calvet

Cau d'en Calvet is a prehistoric burial cave in the Montgrí massif, within the municipality of Torroella de Montgrí (Baix Empordà, Catalonia), discovered in 1975 together with the nearby Cau de les Dents. The cave was used as a burial site toward the end of the Neolithic period, at a time when local communities based their economy on cereal cultivation.

What will you see?

Cau d'en Calvet forms part of a wider network of Neolithic sites in the Montgrí massif, including Cau de les Dents, Cau dels Ossos, Cau del Tossal Gros, Cau de l'Olivar d'en Margall, and Cau de la Figuera. Together they document the region's rich prehistoric settlement of Empordà — from burials, through traces of farming, to later finds such as the famous gold bead from Cau del Tossal Gros, considered one of the earliest examples of goldsmithing on the northeastern Iberian Peninsula.

Remains and artifacts uncovered during excavations are now held at the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia and the Mediterranean Museum in Torroella de Montgrí, where they can be seen today within the broader context of the region's history.

How to get there?

The cave lies within the Montgrí massif, reachable via hiking trails connecting several nearby archaeological sites. It's best to start from Torroella de Montgrí, following the marked routes that cross the massif's rocky hills.

When to visit?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Cau d'en Calvet used for in prehistoric times? It served as a burial cave toward the end of the Neolithic period, within a community that practiced cereal cultivation.

Where can you see finds from this cave? Remains and artifacts are held at the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia and at the Mediterranean Museum in Torroella de Montgrí.

What other sites are worth combining with a visit? Cau de les Dents (discovered together with Cau d'en Calvet in 1975), as well as Cau dels Ossos, Cau del Tossal Gros, and Cau de l'Olivar d'en Margall.

What notable discovery came from this cave network? A gold bead found at nearby Cau del Tossal Gros, considered one of the earliest examples of goldsmithing in this part of the Iberian Peninsula.