Cova do Rei Cintolo

The Cova do Rei Cintolo is a natural cave and a space of geological and speleological interest located in Mondoñedo, in the province of Lugo, in the parish of Argomoso, between the districts of Orxal and Supena, very close to the town center. Due to its typology, it corresponds to a calcareous cave of great development and not to an architectural monument. The official municipal and Galician Tourism sources agree that it is the largest natural cave in Galicia and the one with the longest known horizontal route in the community. Physically, it has a labyrinthine structure with galleries of karstic origin, developed in a terrain with the presence of mud. The official tourist descriptions indicate an explored length of 6.5 km, three main levels of galleries, a drop of approximately 75 meters and outstanding subway forms such as stalactites, stalagmites, lava flows and flags. In the lower level circulates subway water, which feeds interior lakes and a course known as Celtas river. From the patrimonial point of view, the Council of Mondoñedo points out that the cave is catalogued by the General Direction of Patrimony as a Paleolithic type site, because it combines natural and historical interest. Turismo de Galicia also defines it as a unique space between science and legend, and highlights its cave fauna, with morcegos and invertebrates adapted to the subway environment. Tourist access is regulated and guided tours are available, with prior reservation at the Mondoñedo Tourist Office. Its conservation and the need for capacity control confirm the environmental value of the resource and its use as nature tourism and speleotourism equipment.