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Located in the province of Almería, the giant Geoda de Pulpí is a rock cavity lined with mineral materials that form a breathtaking array of stalactites and stalacmites. Discovered in 1999 by the Madrid Mineralogist Group, this stunning chasm is covered with enormous gypsum crystals and its unique heritage is recognised worldwide for its extraordinary state of conservation.

 

Measuring eight metres long and two metres high, it is the second largest geode in the world after the Cueva de los Cristales de Chihuahua, in Mexico, and the largest that can be visited. A geode is not a cave, exactly, but rather a round rock structure that is hollow inside and lined with crystals. In Pulpí, the effect created by this geological formation is truly staggering in its beauty.

 

Visits cost 22 euros for adults, 15 euros for pensioners and 10 euros for 8-16 year olds (under 8s are not allowed in). Tickets to visit the Geoda de Pulpí must be booked beforehand on the website, and it is recommendable to wear sensible shoes when going inside... anyone wearing flip-flops will not be allowed entry!

 

The declaration of the Pulpí Geode as a Natural Monument of Andalucía involves its inclusion in the Inventory of Protected Natural Spaces and it is logged in the Registry of the Network of Protected Natural Spaces of Andalucía (Renpa).

 

To safeguard this natural jewel, the University of Almería carries out rigorous monitoring of the heat and humidity conditions within the chamber.

 

The addition of the Pulpí Geode brings the number of natural monuments in Andalucía to 60. Eleven of these structures are located in Almeria, 13 are in Málaga, eight in Granada, seven in Jaén and Seville, six in Huelva, five in Cádiz and three in Córdoba.

 

 

 

Images: Geoda Pulpí