Gruta do Carvão
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LocationSão Miguel (Azores), Portugal
Length1,650 metres (5,410 ft)
Height variation6.4 metres (21 ft)
| Gruta do Carvão | |
|---|---|
| Monumento Natural Regional da Gruta do Carvão Regional Natural Monument of Gruta do Carvão | |
 A view of the visit area of the Gruta do Carvão | |
 Interactive map of Gruta do Carvão | |
| Location | São Miguel (Azores), Portugal |
| Coordinates | 37°44′53.4″N 25°41′13.4″W / 37.748167°N 25.687056°W |
| Length | 1,650 metres (5,410 ft) |
| Height variation | 6.4 metres (21 ft) |
| Geology | Lava tube, Basalt |
| Entrances | 1 |
| List of entrances | Rua do Paim |
| Access | Tours are available in season |
| Features | Stalactites, Stalagmites |
The Gruta do Carvão (Grotto of Coal) is an ancient lava tube located on the outskirts of the municipality of Ponta Delgada (in the civil parish of Santa Clara) on the island of São Miguel in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores.
Gaspar Frutuoso, the 16th century chronicler and historian wrote:
- "Afar, a short way from the Fortress, going west, is a place called Ponta dos Algares, because there are two grottos with their opening, inside which there is a large underground path where rivers of lava seeming to have run in ancient times, not known nor seen."[1]
Owing to its scientific, educational and touristic relevance, as well as its natural characteristics, the Gruta do Carvão was classified as a Regional natural Monument by Regional Decree 4/2005/A on 11 May 2005.[1]
