The cliff of El Berenguer is an impressive geological wall approximately 700 meters long and 80 meters high, that is located on the right or north bank of Malrubí stream, within the municipality of Avinyó. The cliff takes the name from the nearby country house and farm, El Berenguer, on the opposite bank. Further south, there are the popular environmental education center of La Ruca and the residential development Urbisol. The wide track that starts in Artés and runs along the southern slope of the Malrubí valley attains the foot of cliff of El Berenguer in 5 km. One kilometer before reaching the cliff of El Berenguer, the route also offers views of the related cliff of Ribatallada.
Besides its scenic beauty and vibrant colours, the cliff of El Berenguer displays the transition from marine sedimentation during the Bartonian (Middle Eocene) to continental sedimentation during the Priabonian (Upper Eocene), including in between the precipitation of gypsum as water evaporated from the receding sea. From top to bottom, the cliff displays following rock sequence:
– Red continental sandstones and mudstones, from geological formation Artés.
– Marine gypsum, from geological formation Cardona.
– Gray marine mudstones and sandstones, from geological formation Tossa.
Close examen of the gypsum is feasible at the eastern tip of the cliff where the stream flows at the same level or in the fallen boulders.
[photos by Jordi Badia]
- See also the cliff of Ribatallada (Artés).