Furnas do Cavalum

The Furnas do Cavalum (Caves of Cavalum in English) are a group of four caves located in Machico, Madeira. Named after a local legend about a demon called Cavalum, who was imprisoned in the cave.

Furnas do Cavalum
Furnas do Cavalum
Map showing the location of Furnas do Cavalum
Map showing the location of Furnas do Cavalum
Map showing location in Madeira.
LocationMachico, Madeira
Coordinates32°43′56.3″N 16°47′2.8″W
GeologyBasalt
Entrances4
AccessPublic
LightingNo

These lava tubes are of great importance allowing a view on the volcanic history of the now inactive island of Madeira, they have also biologic importance as there are several troglobionts living in the cave, including crustaceans, spiders and flies. At least fourteen invertebrates live in these tubes and at least three of them are endemic on Madeira island, one of them exists only in this cave.

Furnas do Cavalum are also part of the cultural heritage of the islanders, as numerous legends are told about the caves. Despite the stories about the demon, the cave was used as a refuge by the locals, namely during violent uprisings like the Revolta da Madeira in April 1931.[1][2]

See also

References
  1. Furnas do Cavalum
  2. Grutas do Cavalum (Machico - Madeira), P. Relvas, V. Monteiro, Algarocho, Boletim interno da Sociedade Portuguesa de Espeleologia, #9, 1987, pp 5-8
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