The Department of Culture of El Poble Nou de Benitatxell commitment retakes the excavations of the Cova de les Bruixes and to value the municipal archaeological heritage.
The first phase of the work has been conducted by archaeologists and Josep Miquel Sánchez Ahuir, and has focused on cleaning the area with archaeological monitoring since the cave was overgrown. In the process they have come to light interesting ceramic remains and building material to be sent to the Archaeological Museum of Javea, where they will join the findings of previous excavations.
"In this site we present some of the cultures that have passed through this town, from the Iberians to the early Christian settlers, emphasizing the andalusí presence. Recovery can tell us a lot about the daily life of our ancestors"He said the mayor of Culture, Manolo Segarra.
The cave, which was part of the Abia farmsteadry whose first occupation dates from about 2200 years, was used as a dump yard and in the Iberian, Roman and andalusí period. 2001 and excavations brought to light interesting findings as Iberian painted ceramics, sigillata and other imported from the Italian Campania region. These include a complete piece of ceramic íbera currently in the Archaeological Museum of Xàbia.
The site which was located in 1987 in Tossal Gros by Joaquin Bolufer. according to local historians, the late thirteenth century, abandoned, went on to become the perfect hideout for bandits. Legend also suggests that smugglers chased away people into believing that witches lived there. For this shed sulfur produced mysterious flames around the cavity. It would therefore fear that led the people of El Poble Nou de Benitatxell to call it "Cova de les Bruixes".
Upon completion of the archaeological works, the cave will open for the first time in history the public. He also created a space for interpretation and dissemination of a cave, like a time capsule, can help understand the daily life of our ancestors.
At the moment, from the Department of Tourism, also in charge of Segarra, they have organized guided tours to the entrance routes, which begin this Friday, July 1, at 18: 30 hours. However, the historical and ethnological guided tour of Cova de les Bruixes, will join this year's summer program interesting routes including Route Cliffs and of Terra del Moscatell. Reservations should be made at the Tourism department or by calling 966493646.
