Cave of the Witches – Akelarrenlezea of Zugarramurdi

Just outside the village of Zugarramurdi in the Basque region of northern Spain lies a cavern so steeped in folklore that it is known locally as Akelarrenlezea—the “Cave of the Witches.” This natural limestone cave, carved over centuries by the Orabidea stream (nicknamed Infernuko erreka, or ‘Hell’s stream’), is said to have been the site of akelarres, or witches' sabbaths.

Legend tells of nocturnal rituals held here, where witches danced, cast spells, and communed with the devil under the cover of darkness. These beliefs played a key role in the infamous 1610 witch trials, where dozens of locals were accused of sorcery and heresy, some ultimately burned at the stake by the Inquisition.

The largest chamber in the cave stretches more than 120 meters, with natural vaults that reach up to 12 meters high. Unlike many dark destinations, this cave is not confined or claustrophobic—it is wide, open, and eerily majestic, lending itself perfectly to whispered tales of gatherings and forbidden rites. Today, visitors can walk the same paths once feared to host black masses, surrounded by moss-covered rock and echoes of ancient superstition.

The site is often visited in conjunction with the nearby Zugarramurdi Witch Museum, and together they offer a powerful glimpse into how fear, myth, and geography can shape a place’s dark history. Whether or not akelarres ever truly happened here, the cave remains a monument to belief—and the persecution it sometimes invites.