Certified mining XIe-XIIe siècles (≈ 1250)
Radiocarbon data on workshops and remains.
10 octobre 1977
Classification of the cave
Classification of the cave 10 octobre 1977 (≈ 1977)
Protection by ministerial decree.
1991-2016
Protection extensions
Protection extensions 1991-2016 (≈ 2004)
Classifications and successive listings of the site.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Grotto (Case E 653): Order of 10 October 1977. - Parcels E 653 and 703 of the archaeological site (soil and basement, i.e. all the cavities under these plots): inscription by order of 4 February 1991. - To enable its study and conservation: plots E 700 to 702, 704, 705, for the soil, the basement and, consequently, all the underground or surface archaeological remains contained in the said plots: classification by decree of 10 August 1995. - Parcels E 652 (the "Le Causse" site, in its entirety) and E 734 (the "La Fendeille" site, in part as follows:start point - Part, for the ground and subsoil, Parcel E 734 at the place known as the Fendeille, as shown on the plan annexed to the Order:Start point (clockwise):point B31 [X = 1625663, 68;Y = 31388550, 32 (RGF 93 CC 44);Y = 364, 24 NGF], the boundary between Parcel No. 734 and Parcel No. 209 to Terminal B 16 [X = 1625989, 2;Y = 3138854, 5 (RGF 93 CC 44);Z = 532, 67 NGF], a straight line drawn from that terminal leading to Terminal B 19 [X = 1626048, 30;Y = 3138797, 72 (RGF 93 CC 44);Z = 534, 46], a straight line drawn from that terminal to Terminal B 31, starting point: inscription by order of 28 November 2016
Origin and history
The Calel Cave, listed as a Historical Monument, is an ancient medieval iron mine located on the northern slope of the Black Mountain near Sorèze. This karst site bears witness to intensive exploitation in the 11th and 12th centuries, as evidenced by radiocarbon 14 dating from underground samples and a direct ore reduction workshop. Remnants reveal peak and pointer extraction techniques, as well as specific arrangements to cut the ore in confined areas.
A major feature of the site is the discovery of a medieval parietal art: an anthropomorphic drawing representing a minor with its peak and hood, drawn by charcoal on the walls. This rare graphic testimony, combined with the neighbouring direct reduction workshops, makes Calel a unique medieval metallurgical ensemble, illustrating both mining practices and the lives of the workers of the period. The open-air tracks on the limestone plateau complete this early industrial landscape.
The site has been the subject of multiple successive protections since 1977, covering both the cave (classified), surrounding plots (registered or classified for their soil and basement), and all archaeological remains. These measures aim to preserve a fragile underground heritage, combining technical history, rock art and the spatial organization of farms. The property is now shared between the municipality of Sorèze and private owners.
The location of the site, although documented (GPS coordinates and Mérimée address), remains of limited accuracy (level 6/10), reflecting the challenges posed by its underground and dispersed character. The protected plots extend over several places (Le Causse, La Fendeille), with precise technical boundaries to frame excavations and conservation. No information is available on its current accessibility to the public.
