Cuevas de Hercules (Cave of Hercules), Toledo

The Cave of Hercules is an ancient subterranean vaulted space located in Toledo. It is believed to date back to Roman times, possibly constructed in the second half of the 1st century, and served as a water reservoir supplied by the aqueduct bridge which brought water across the River Tagus. The cave is located under a building where the Church of San Ginés stood until 1841.

The structure was built in two construction phases and was covered with a barrel vault made of ashlar. The first half of the wall was constructed with Roman concrete and covered with opus signinum, while the second half of the northeast wall facing the street was built in the second Roman phase. A facade was added in opus quadratum of seven rows of ashlars, attached to the northeast lateral wall of the hydraulic structure of the first phase.

During the Visigothic era, it is probable that there was a Visigothic church on the property, and in the Al-Andalus period, constructions were developed, probably a mosque, in whose walls were embedded Visigothic reliefs. The property was later referred to as the church of San Ginés, and a series of changes were made, including the creation of five individual chapels at the end of the Late medieval epoch or the beginning of the Early modern age.

Today, the entrance to the Caves leads the visitor through a wide space with a metal and glass structure that houses the Museum of the Caves of Hercules. The museum showcases exhibitions of contemporary artists, organized by the Consorcio de Toledo. Visitors can explore the ancient subterranean space and learn about its rich history and cultural significance. The Cave of Hercules is a unique and fascinating site that offers a glimpse into the rich history of Toledo and Spain.