Cueva de los Franceses

Cueva de los Franceses is a cave in Revilla de Pomar, a village belonging to the municipality of Pomar de Valdivia in the province of Palencia, Castile and León. It sits within the Páramo de la Lora, inside the protected Covalagua valley, part of the UNESCO-recognized Las Loras Geopark.

Where does the name come from?

The cave's name goes back to the Peninsular War of 1808. Local tradition holds that it became the final resting place of Napoleonic soldiers who died in a clash with a unit of Cantabrian hussars — an episode that gave the cave its present-day name, the "Cave of the Frenchmen."

It was formally discovered in 1904 by Luciano Huidobro, a priest, professor and local scholar who was the first to document its interior for a wider audience.

What will you see inside?

The cave system runs for nearly a thousand metres, with a level difference of around 20 metres between its highest and lowest points. Visitors, however, can only walk the 482-metre stretch that has been adapted for safe public access.

Inside, spacious chambers are lined with an impressive array of formations — columns, stalagmites and stalactites shaped over thousands of years by the slow deposit of calcium carbonate. The interplay of light and shadow highlights the cave's irregular rock shapes, creating a setting that leaves an impression on both adults and children.

How do you get there?

The cave lies in the northeastern part of Palencia province, close to the town of Aguilar de Campoo, a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area. The Covalagua valley and the cave itself are well signposted along the trails of the Las Loras Geopark, making it easy to plan a visit by car from nearby towns.

When should you visit?

A standard guided visit lasts about 45 minutes and is suitable for visitors of all ages, including families with children. Because underground conditions stay fairly constant in temperature and humidity, the cave can make for an appealing outing at almost any time of year — though it's worth checking the current visiting schedule beforehand, since the site is periodically closed for maintenance work.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a visit to Cueva de los Franceses take? The standard tourist route takes around 45 minutes and covers the accessible 482-metre stretch of the cave.

Where does the cave's name come from? It refers to Napoleonic soldiers who died in a clash with Cantabrian hussars during the 1808 Peninsular War — the cave is said to have been their final resting place.

Is the cave suitable for families with children? Yes, the visiting route was designed to be accessible for people of different ages, including children.

Where exactly is the cave located? In Revilla de Pomar, part of the municipality of Pomar de Valdivia in Palencia province, within the Covalagua valley and the Las Loras Geopark.