Cova del Cingle dels Òbits

Cova del Cingle dels Òbits is a small cave in the municipality of Matadepera, tucked into a rock cliff (cingle) within the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac massif in Catalonia. It's also known as Cova dels Ossos — the Cave of Bones — a nickname that comes from a find made there over a century ago.

Where is it located?

The cave sits between the spots known as Òbits and Font Flàvia, cut into the rock face that runs along this stretch of the Sant Llorenç del Munt range. A path following the cliff line connects the cave to nearby Font Flàvia spring and other cavities in the area; the final stretch to the entrance runs about 190 meters.

How do you get there?

Most visitors start from Matadepera or from one of the trailheads across the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac massif, a popular hiking destination near Terrassa and Barcelona. The approach hugs a rock cliff, so sturdy hiking boots are a good idea — the ground is stony and narrows in places. Font Flàvia acts as a natural landmark to orient yourself along the way.

What will you see there?

The entrance is about two meters high and one meter wide — a discreet opening in the rock that's easy to miss without knowing the terrain. Inside, a single gallery runs 23 meters. Worth knowing before you go: reaching the interior requires a rope — this isn't a spot for casual exploring without the right gear and experience. From outside, though, you can still get a good look at the entrance and appreciate how the cave sits within the cliff face.

History and archaeological finds

The cave was first explored in September 1912 by a team from the Centre Excursionista de Terrassa, led by Frederic Segués. They found a collection of bones at the entrance, which is how the cave earned its alternate name, Cova dels Ossos. Later work turned up ceramic fragments too — remains of an amphora and everyday pottery — dated to the Iberian and Roman periods, roughly between the 2nd century BC and the 5th century AD. Those pieces are now held at the History Museum of Sabadell. The finds suggest the area around the Sant Llorenç del Munt massif was used by people in antiquity, with the cave possibly serving as shelter or storage.

When should you visit?

Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac is mountain terrain, so spring and autumn are the best times to hike here — mild temperatures and trails that haven't been washed out by winter rain. In summer, head out early to avoid the heat on the exposed, rocky sections. Winter visits are possible, but check the forecast, since the cliff areas can get windy at altitude.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the cave without equipment? No. Reaching the gallery inside requires a rope, so without proper preparation and experience it's best to view the entrance from outside only.

Why is the cave also called Cova dels Ossos? The name comes from bones found at the entrance during the first exploration in 1912 by a team from the Centre Excursionista de Terrassa.

What archaeological finds came from the cave? Ceramic fragments — remains of an amphora and everyday pottery — dated to the Iberian and Roman periods (2nd century BC to 5th century AD), now kept at the History Museum of Sabadell.

How big is the cave? It has a single 23-meter gallery, with an entrance about two meters high and one meter wide.