The Grutas de Cristal, also called Cueva de las Graderas, is a karstic cavity that can be visited in the municipality of Molinos, in the Maestrazgo region of Teruel. The network of rooms and galleries shows a wide variety of speleothems: stalactites, stalagmites, columns, curtains, lava flows and eccentrics, with shapes and crystallizations that justify their name. The visit takes you through a subway landscape of great geological interest, shaped by the slow dissolution of limestone rock. From the interior, two main rooms and sets of formations with popular names can be observed, among them the Crystal Room and the Marine Room. The whole is notable for its tones, textures and the presence of whimsical figures that turn the cave into a veritable natural museum. Prospecting also revealed fossils of mammals and ancient human remains, including the one known as the Man of Molinos, which adds archaeological value to the resource. The enclave is protected as a Natural Monument and is also listed as an area of community interest and a special protection area for birds. The cave was discovered in 1961 and today it is one of the best known subway references in Aragon in guides and informative materials. The visit is especially pleasant when the thermal contrast with the outside is greater, although it can be visited all year round. If you are looking for a quieter experience, it is advisable to avoid the central hours of the busiest days and check the schedule before going, because tickets are organized by passes.
