Gran Canaria opens a tunnel back through time
The complex made up by Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria cultural landscape was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2019.
It was chosen unanimously by all the member states and thereby acknowledges the particular importance of this archaeological, human and scenic environment on a worldwide scale.
A site with unique archaeological value
In its declaration, UNESCO recognised the universal value of this unique space in Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria as an example of how humans communicated with the stars almost one thousand years ago.
Risco Caido, the origin of everything
One of the most outstanding elements of the space is what is known as Risco Caido cave 6, a marker or astronomical lunisolar temple located on the left-hand side of the Barranco Hondo ravine, in the town of Artenara.
The cavity nestles among a total of 21 caves excavated out of the volcanic limestone in this settlement, located at the top of a steep cliff, more than 1,200 metres above sea level.
Cave C6, known as Risco Caido’s almogarén or sanctuary, holds a secret
A natural window open in its vaulted ceiling lets sun and moonlight through, making a magical light beam that is projected on to its walls, used by the indigenous population as a calendar and sacred temple.
During the summer solstice, the first rays of light stretch across the walls from side to side, illuminating the cave etchings that archaeologists from all over the world have identified as fertility symbols.
The same effect takes place during the winter solstice although this time the light projected on its walls comes from the full moon.
The place that archaeologists consider to be the most important prehistoric astronomical marker in Gran Canaria.
The Visitors Centre
Its brand new visitors’ centre allows you to travel back in time through a series of recreations that show us how Gran Canaria’s indigenous population used to live, their beliefs and customs.
A father shows his daughter the movement of the stars, the importance of a legacy that prehistoric society depended on greatly.
This legacy has been passed down from generation to generation as far as the present day, thanks to oral and cultural transmission from the people who have kept this bastion of our history alive.
There’s a surprise in store for you on this visit
A life-size reproduction of the C6 cave from the archaeological complex where you can exceptionally witness the phenomenon that takes place in this magical spot.
The Sacred Mountains
This enclave, declared a World Heritage Site, also includes the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria.
A set of archaeological sites spread over the towns of Artenara, Tejeda, Agaete and Gáldar covering a surface area of around 44,000 acres in total.
Caves excavated out of volcanic rock that were used as homes, grain stores or cisterns to store rainwater...later used by the district's farmers to store hay until their true archaeological value was revealed in 1996.
Further proof that there are tunnels that, if we wanted, would let us travel back in time.
And that Gran Canaria is, without a doubt, your Great Destination.
Useful Information
Visits to the Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria visitors’ centre
Address: Calle Camino de la Cilla, s/n. Artenara.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Free entry.
Email: centro@riscocaidoartenara.es
Website: viveunescograncanaria.com
Contact phone no.: (+34) 649 50 77 46
