This natural cavity has been used as a refuge or, perhaps, as a dwelling, probably since ancient times. It is known that in more recent times, during the years of the Civil War of 1936, it served as a hiding place for various fugitives. The name Forat Màrtira refers to a tradition or legend about a woman who was known by this name and who supposedly lived in this refuge with her children. It was said that if you approached the hole you could hear the woman washing clothes. This oral tradition seems a simplified version of the most typical legends known about water women or enchantresses. (Note by Ramon M. Vila Casals in Mapes de Patrimoni Cultural de la Diputació de Barcelona)