Cueva de la Paloma

In the municipality of Bayarque, La Paloma Cave can be found at the foot of a steep peak. The ground outside is reddish brown, because of the accumulation of crushed remains of minerals from inside the steep slopes of the surrounding area. Outside we find a small hill to one side of the vertical wall that used to border with the Castle of Tíjola la Vieja, situated opposite.

The Cerrá area, where the cave is situated, is a ravine crossed by the Bacares River with limestone walls that are about 120 metres high. The gorge where the river flows around a high rock formation makes up the natural fort of the settlement of Tíjola la Vieja.

The Legend of the Treasure of La Paloma Cave is told by the residents of Tíjola and of Bayarque. The locals say that when Don Juan de Austria attacked with his artillery, the Moors fled during the night and they took with them some food and their most valued possessions, but as they were not able to carry all of it they hid part of their wealth in the caverns and caves in the area. It is thought that a great part of a valuable treasure is hidden in the depths of La Paloma Cave, or in the surrounding area.

There is also another beautiful legend about this place – the Horse's Jump.