Gruta Morutau
The Gruta Morutau (also Gua Mortau ) is a cave in the East Timorese Suco Balibo ( Balibo administrative office , Bobonaro municipality ), in the north-west of the country. It is located two kilometers from the Balibo Fortress .
The cave has been considered sacred since ancient times and is therefore only allowed to be entered by a few village elders. It used to be a cult place of the old, animistic faith , but is now a Roman Catholic shrine. A Marian shrine was erected right next to the entrance, with a crucifix above it . The sanctuary is surrounded by remains of old walls, as they are known from the traditional fortifications of the inhabitants of Timor ( Tranqueira ) . Nowadays, the people of Balibo celebrate Easter mass on this hill. 14 stations of a Way of the Cross lead up the tree-covered hill .
The statue of the Virgin Mary, to the left of her is the entrance to the cave
Crucifix on top of the hill
