UG
Ulrich Gall
The Grotto of Garrell in Argelaguer
This carved rock face, with its intriguing tunnels and various symbols, is an unauthorized work of art by a local artist named Bartomeu Puigneró, known affectionately as "Garrell". The name "Garrell" is actually carved into the rock, along with "El Tosut," which translates to "The Stony."
Puigneró, born in 1928, was a self-taught artist and stonemason from the nearby village of Argelaguer. For decades, he dedicated himself to carving this whimsical and somewhat mystical grotto out of the natural rock formations along the Fluvià River, just off the Eix Transversal highway. He began this project in the 1960s and continued working on it until his death in 1999.
What you see here is a fascinating example of "outsider art" or "art brut" – art created by self-taught individuals who are often outside the conventional art world, without formal training or recognition during their lifetime. This particular site is sometimes referred to as the "Grotto of Garrell" or the "Grotto of Argelaguer."
The carvings themselves are a mix of abstract patterns, geometric shapes, and more recognizable figures like faces and animals, including the fish symbol you can see. The tunnels and niches evoke a sense of mystery and folklore, almost like a hobbit hole or a dwelling for mythical creatures. The overall effect is both ancient and playful. It's a testament to one man's vision and dedication to transforming a natural landscape into a deeply personal artistic expression. This unique spot has become something of a hidden gem for those who know about it, offering a moment of unexpected wonder in a rural Spanish landscape.
The Whimsical House of the Gnomes
You've discovered the "House of the Gnomes" or "Casa dels Gnomes" located in Argelaguer, Catalonia, Spain. This unique site is the whimsical creation of Josep Pujiula i Vila, a local eccentric and self-taught artist and builder. Starting in the 1970s and continuing for decades, Pujiula transformed a limestone quarry next to his property into an elaborate, fantastical landscape filled with a network of towers, tunnels, bridges, and carvings, all made from natural materials like wood and stone.
The carvings you see on the rock face, particularly "GARRELL EL TOSTO SUT" ("Garrell the Stubborn"), are part of Pujiula's personal mythology and ongoing interactions with local authorities who would often dismantle his constructions due to lack of permits or safety concerns. The faces carved into the rock, the various symbols, and the hidden grottoes (like the one you see here that you can enter) were all part of his sprawling, organic art installation. Over the years, many parts of his work were destroyed and rebuilt, but a dedicated group of locals and admirers have worked to preserve what remains of this fascinating, unconventional legacy. It's a testament to individual artistic vision and defiance.
The Carved Caves of Josep Pujiula
Garrell and El Tosuut, carved directly into the rock. These are unique, hand-sculpted caves/shelters in Argelaguer by the eccentric Catalan artist Josep Pujiula i Vila (1937–2016). He spent decades building and expanding an elaborate, fantastical network of tunnels, bridges, and totems along the Fluvià river, often using found materials. Authorities forced dismantling several times due to safety concerns and public land issues, but Pujiula would rebuild. This specific area, likely a remnant of his work, reflects his imaginative, often politically charged, and ever-evolving artistic vision. Look for faces, symbols (like the fish), and abstract patterns carved into the stone.