This is a superb aboriginal grain collection store, in a settlement located up on a high escarpment at Montaña del Gallego. It was built by the ancient Canarians over 800 years ago, making full use of the geological conditions at the volcanic cone. With the help of flint stones they opened up over 350 cavities laid out on several levels, which were used for the storage of cereals and other foodstuffs.
The strategic nature of its location made it an authentic natural fortress, unnoticeable from the outside and set within a near vertical mountain wall.
The term "cenobio" (meaning monastery), adhered to the false idea of the silos or chambers being convent rooms in which the young noble classes were imprisoned until they were of age to be married, under the watchful eye of the adolescent harimaguadas girls and female priests, who were highly influential in social and religious circles. This theory has now been completely ruled out.
The vision itself of the grain caverns and the awe-inspiring ravines that surround them will leave a long lasting picture in the memory of all who visit them. Visitors can learn all about the Ancient Canarians during their guided tour around the information boards, scale models and life-size recreations all along the route.
Visiting Hours
October - March
Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 h.
April - September
Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 h.
Closed Mondays, and 1st, 5th and 6th January, 1st May, and 24th, 25th and 31st December.
Entrance fee
General price: 3 €. This price allows visitors access for a whole year.
Reduced price: 2 €: School groups (except local school) or groups of over 10 people with prior appointment; children between the ages of 10 and 14, student card holders, and over 65s.
Special free entry: Educational groups from the municipality with prior appointment; tourist guides and teachers accompanying groups; children under 10.
To qualify for the reduced fee, visitors must produce be able to produce all appropriate documentation.
Guided tours, activities and workshops are available to school groups or private groups of over 10 individuals.
Combo 5 €: Cenobio de Valerón + Maipés de Agaete.
Combo 8 €: Cenobio de Valerón + Maipés de Agaete + Cañada de Los Gatos.
Guided tours have to be requested by prior appointment by calling 618 607 896.
Cenobio de Valerón
Location: Cuesta de Silva s/n
Municipality: Santa María de Guía
Telephone: (+34) 618 607 896
E-mail: museosyarqueologia@arqueocanaria.com
Web: www.cenobiodevaleron.com
Network of Archaeological Sites in Gran Canaria:
Cenobio de Valerón
Cueva Pintada Museum and Archaeological Park
Maipés Archaeological Park of Agaete
Roque Bentayga Visitors Centre
Barranco de Guayadeque Visitors Centre
Arteara Necropolis
Cañada de Los Gatos
La Fortaleza Visitors Centre
If you would like to visit the ancient aboriginal grainstore, Macaronesia Tours will be pleased to show you around Santa María de Guía and Gáldar in its tourist tour.
