History

The Grutas da Moeda (the Coin Caves) of S. Mamede, Fatima, were discovered in 1971 by two hunters while chasing a fox. Once in the cave, they were overcome with curiosity which led them to explore the area more thoroughly. To their amazement, they soon found the "Shepherd's Chamber", a chamber full of the most fantastic limestone formations. For nearly two months the two men continued to dig away at the narrow cracks which led on from the first cave, slowly discovering the other chambers and galleries included today in the Grutas da Moeda.

Soon measures were taken to make use of the cave as a tourist attraction; geologists and other technicians were contracted to rigorously maintain the natural features of the cave, including the mountain landscape above ground. The names given to the chambers are very suggestive of the images that each one presents to the visitor: Nativity Scene, Shepherd, Cascade, Virgin, Red Dome, Marine, Flawed Chapel, Wedding Cake and Spring of Tears. -During the visit an area 350m long and 45m deep can be reached. The entrance and exit of the cave are made at different sites, both embraced by a unique mountain landscape. The temperature inside the cave is approximately 18°C.

Legend regarding the name: "Coin Caves"

According to the legend, while passing through a thicket, round a small pit, a wealthy man from the area was attacked and robbed by a gang of culprits who killed him, as was common in those days. The body was thrown into the cavernous abyss. Due to haste, the thieves let fall in with the body the bag of coins that the victim was carrying and that they so longed for. Down the pit scattered the coins, never again to be recovered, giving the cave the name by which it is still known today.