Deep in the heart of the island of Terceira there lies one of the great known unknowns. It is, at least on the surface, nothing spectacular - so much so that it is not even identifiable on any maps one may come across when looking at the island. Its location is discreet - in an unassuming corner of a field surrounded by grazing cows and corn fields. And yet what lies in the gaping holes beneath this hallowed grassy area is something only very few Azoreans know about and it is perhaps one of the best well kept secrets on the island.
Gruta dos Balcões is the name of this very special place which lies in the Freguesia of Biscoitos. Like the other Grutas on the island it is a labyrinthine network of tunnels which criss cross each other - ascending and descending - with lava carving out magnificent patterns and structures within the walls of this geological masterpiece. Its beauty remains in almost pristine condition - unharmed by humans - with crystals glistening on the sides of the walls and strange fungus spreading itself across the walls. Occasionally shards of light illuminate this dark, damp cavern - helping to delineate between the sharp rocks and the thick earthy red coloured mud.
An air of mysticism and intrigue will undoubtedly come to define ones experience of the 4km of caves which have so far been uncovered by a combination of Portuguese and Spanish excavators. Excavators are confident that more lies beneath and one would assume that it is merely a matter of time before more of this remarkable part of Terceira is discovered. In which case, this great unknown may well soon become the great unknown known.
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