Gruta das Torres (Towers Cave)

The Gruta das Torres is a natural monument; it is the largest lava tube in Portugal, with a length of 5,150 meters, and it is part of the formation of Lajidos – Gruta das Torres, part of the Mountain Volcanic Complex. It is estimated to have been formed about 1,500 years ago during an eruption in Cabeço Bravo.
It is a pioneering visit in Portugal, following the cavity for 450 meters and lasting approximately one hour. During the tour, visitors experience a unique expedition-like visit. They are provided with the necessary equipment to discover the cave in its natural state and observe various types of lava and several geological formations, from which the different kinds of lava stalactites and stalagmites, side benches, lava balls, striated walls, and ropy lava stand out.
In 2006, the Portuguese Jury chose the Gruta das Torres Visitors' Centre as a finalist for the V Ibero-American Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism. In 2007, it was nominated for the Contemporary Architecture Mies van der Rohe Award, and in 2009, it won first place in Tektónica National Award of the Portuguese Institute of Architects.