Cova Picasso

It is a small rock shelter. About 5 metres wide by a maximum depth of 3 metres, with a sloping ceiling that loses height so that one cannot stand upright in its innermost half. The sheltered surface is surrounded by a low stone wall, so that it forms an “abode” of almost semicircular shape. A line of stones broadly divides the abode into two “chambers”, the NE “chamber” being the flattest, where three people could sleep without too much comfort.

The cave's original name comes from a spring located in the bed of the Estrets river, about 200 metres upstream of the cave. These are the ullals de Morago. Its flow has been captured to supply drinking water to the village of Arnes. For this reason, there is a conduit made of concrete that is very visible along the entire course of the river. In the stretch that concerns us, the conduit has been used to route part of the path along which the “Itinerari de Picasso” runs. Wooden railings prevent us from falling into the river.

It is still surprising that this cave was chosen by Picasso as a precarious habitat to spend long periods of time. Probably, the proximity of the river and the water played an important role in making the decision.