Cave of Hercules facts for kids
The Cave of Hercules (Spanish: Cueva de Hércules) is an old underground space. It was built during Roman times. You can find it in an alley called San Ginés in the city of Toledo, Spain. This cave is located under a building. This building stands where the Church of San Ginés, Toledo used to be until 1841.
Contents
History of the Cave
Roman Times: A Water Tank
This structure was likely built around the second half of the 1st century. This was during the time of the Roman Empire. It seems it was a large tank for storing water. Water came to it from the aqueduct bridge. This bridge carried water across the River Tagus.
The cave was built in two main stages. It had a rounded roof, like a tunnel, made of cut stones. It looked like a big open-air tank. It even had a way for extra water to flow out. Part of the wall, made of Roman concrete, still remains.
Later, the structure was changed a lot. A row of three arches was added on one side. This divided the original tank into two parts. One part is now separate from the other half of the tank. We don't know if this change happened in the first or second building stage.
Visigothic and Muslim Periods
During the Visigothic era, there was probably a church on this site. Later, when the Al-Andalus period began, new buildings were added. These likely included a mosque. Old Visigothic carvings were placed into its walls. This mosque was small, with a square shape. It had four columns inside and nine small domes or vaults.
Medieval and Modern Changes
The first records of this place as the Church of San Ginés are from 1148. Towards the end of the Late medieval period, or the start of the Early modern age, more changes happened. For example, five separate small chapels were built.
Over time, the building became old and damaged. It was left empty and closed to people during the 1700s. The church was finally torn down in 1841. Some parts of the entrance wall were saved. These parts still have Visigothic carvings in them. The land, including the underground caves, was then sold off. It was divided among several neighbors.
What You Can See Now
The entrance to the Caves of Hercules leads you into a large area. This area has a modern metal and glass structure. It is home to the Museum of the Caves of Hercules. Here, you can see art shows by modern artists. These exhibitions are put together by the Consorcio de Toledo.
See also
In Spanish: Cueva de Hércules para niños
- Caves of Hercules
