Cova de ses Caderneres

Whispers carried on the wind hint at the secrets held within Cova de ses Caderneres. Here, nestled within the Serra de na Burguesa in Genova, Palma de Mallorca, lies a hidden world. Cova de ses Caderneres is not just a cave; it’s a time capsule, a testament to the raw power of nature. The cave’s mouth, perched high on the cliff face, beckons the adventurous. Reaching Cova de ses Caderneres is a journey in itself. From Palma, the Ma-20 motorway towards Andratx leads to the Genova exit, Ma-1045. At the village entrance, the first right turn onto Carrer del Rector Vives brings you closer. Just past Mesón Ca’n Pedro, a gate and the expanse of an old quarry mark the spot. Look up, and you’ll see the cave’s entrance about thirty meters up the cliff. A more direct, albeit challenging, approach involves hiking halfway up the road to the Mirador de Gènova viewpoint. Leaving the road at a curve, you’ll cross the field to the cliff of the Gènova quarry. From there, ropes are needed to descend to the cave. Cova de ses Caderneres stretches approximately 36 meters, with a maximum width of 17 meters. Its entrance, a 15-meter-long expanse of blocks and stones, opens into a chamber divided by delicate columns. The northern part, floored with clay and concretions, holds gourgs, stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstones. A tiny opening connects this area to the main entrance. The central part is dominated by flowstones and columns, leading to a section where the low ceiling makes further progress difficult. The southern part reveals unexpected beauty. Epiphreatic speleothems adorn the walls of a large, now-dry gourg, with another situated in the middle of the chamber. Near the southern end of the entrance, a remarkable rock bridge, formed by the dissolution of the bedrock, stands as a testament to the cave’s geological processes. Similar formations, with their characteristic dissolution morphologies and eccentric formations, can be found in the northern and central parts. Exploring Cova de ses Caderneres is not for the faint of heart. The terrain can be treacherous, especially after fires, so caution and proper equipment are essential. But the reward is a glimpse into a hidden realm, a world sculpted by time and water, a world waiting to share its secrets.