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UG

Ulrich Gall

255 discoveries

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.