The cave of L'Esplugallonga stands at 1,115 metres in the Conca de Dalt. It remains a significant component of a medieval troglodytic habitat, where dwellings were carved directly into the massive cliffs. These structures served vital civil and defensive purposes, forming an integrated complex alongside the nearby sites of Sorta and Espluguell.
Historical lore offers a compelling narrative for your investigation. Writer Pep Coll recorded a legend where the village of Sorta faced a siege by Moors. The defenders, facing starvation, executed a calculated stratagem involving a cow and the cave of L'Esplugallonga. They fed the animal their remaining wheat until it was heavy with grain, then pushed it off a cliff into the gorge.
The observers from the besieging Moors found the carcass and concluded that the Christians possessed an abundance of food. Believing the village was well-supplied, they lifted the siege and retreated. The people of Sorta then emerged from their hiding place to strike the retreating forces. This act of cleverness is said to be how the valley finally gained its freedom.
This site serves as a protected location within the Catalan Archaeological and Paleontological Heritage Inventory. You are invited to observe the troglodytic remains as they remain integrated into the landscape. These ruins offer a preserved window into the medieval history of the region, inviting further inquiry into the past.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nik Frost
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