The geographical landmark of Roque Nublo is the stand out symbol of these lands. It is a near ninety metre high monolith, and is a proud memento from a dim and distant past. It has inspired painters, writers and composers, and has appeared in a multitude of works. Many images spring to mind, such as Néstor Álamo’s “Lyrical lunar stone” or “Altar of my mystic land”.
Canarian historian from the late 19th century, D. Agustín Millares, refers to its formation as: “hysterical land movements, horrendous detonations in the air, thick clouds of burning sand that darkened the atmosphere, liquid streams of molten lava criss-crossing in all directions, titanic wrenching of the earth…”
Modern geologists have identified it as a special type of volcanic rock and have christened it the ‘Roque Nublo gash’. This gash is the result of the hardening off of burning clouds following its formation and latter cooling off. Its uniqueness has led to the second great volcanic cycle in Gran Canaria being named after it, the Roque Nublo cycle, covering a period of nearly two million years (from 5.3 to 3.4 million years to the present day).
The Roque Nublo has always been a focal point for Canarian pilgrims, and is a profound sentimental manifestation of those who belong to this island’s deep-rooted culture. The Roque Nublo also represents a goal for numerous mountaineers since a German team climbed its summit for the first time back in 1932.
It is also surrounded by theNublo Rural Park, and has been singled out as a Natural Monument.
The surrounding vegetation is a recently replanted pine wood which sits alongside brush and scrubland typical of the Grancanarian peaks, such as scotch broom and sage.
This whole area forms part of the World Reserve of the Gran Canaria Biosphere, as declared by UNESCO on 29th June 2005.
