Interactive Digs
Slideshow
Search
Subscribe to the Digital Edition!
Subscribe to the Digital Edition!
Archaeology e-Update
Subscriber Alert!
Archaeology.org Survey Rules
Feed
A publication of the Archaeological Institute of America
Special Introductory Offer!
RENEW
GIVE A GIFT
BACK ISSUES
E-UPDATE
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Home
News
Magazine
Videos
Podcasts
Reader Info
Travel
Subscribe
Cenobio de Valeron
"Beyond the Beaches of Gran Canaria"
October 29, 1999
Perched high above a canyon, Cenobio de Valerón is a network of approximately 200-300 caves which were used as granaries (like those at
Acusa
and elsewhere on the island.) Within a large basalt arch in the volcanic rock are rows of round and rectangular chambers dug out with stone or animal bone tools. The caves are connected by steps and passages and were once flanked by towers, according to accounts from the time of the Spanish conquest.
Cenobio de Valerón is open to the public, though the cave chambers are now off limits on account of safety and preservation concerns. A railed stairway has been built to access the site; the gate at the bottom is locked when there is no guard on duty to supervise visitors.
Cenobio ("convent") de Valerón was once thought to be the home of priestesses called
harimaguadas
or of young women awaiting marriage. The caves, however, are very small, and it is unlikely that they were used for such a purpose. Larger caves, such as those at
Los Pilares
near Telde, may have housed young women.
Balos
Back to Map
© 1999 by the Archaeological Institute of America
archive.archaeology.org/online/features/canary/cenobio.html
Advertisement
Advertisement