Gran Canaria Tourism Guide - Anzo de Galdar

Galdar Gran Canaria Guanche History

Galdar may not strike you as the most attractive Gran Canaria base, but that's hardly the fault of the town which struggles with high unemployment due mainly to a decline in the banana trade. Galdar is actually one of the most important Gran Canaria locations for pre-hispanic history and archaeological finds. Demand to view the Cueva Pintada is enormous and over-exceeds available viewing times currently. Part of the reason is to do with safety and on-going archaelogical work which continues here, (particularly with work around Necropolis) and another is lack of funds.

Galdar or Agaldar - Royal City was once the capital of Gran Canaria and has numerous links with Guanche history on the island. Indeed the church that sits in the centre of the town is thought to have been built on the site of a Guanche palace. Note the Guanche statues in the centre of the town - one of three Guanche princesses and the other of the Guanartemes Thenesor Semidan who persuaded the Guanches in this northern kingdom to surrendor to Spanish conquerors.

Take you pick from a choice of Guanche archaeological sites in this area including the Cenobio de Valeron consisting of around 300 caves situated behind a dramatic rock arch. Most of these caves were carved out by the Guanches, with a few being natural phenomena. Caves are linked by a network of tunnels and steps - all of which indicate a complex social structure with the Harimaguadas (noble Guanche women who were treated like queens and indeed were regal reproducers!) You'll note the mini Harimaguadas available in cultural centres and museums for purchase and there's an original Harimaguadas statuette in the Museo Canario in Las Palmas).

The Cenobio de Valeron is one of the few guanche cave networks open to the public on Gran Canaria. Open Wednesdays to Sundays 10am to 17.00/5pm. A Guanche meeting place or Tagoror sits high on the cliffs above the site, with a few heavily eroded stone benches still there almost in a circle. Another important Guanche site in the Galdar area is Necropolis or Tumulo de la Guancha situated just a couple of km outside of Galdar near El Agujero. Mummies dating from the 11th century were discovered at this site in the 1930s, as well as several artefacts. Funding has been a problem in supporting archaeological work here unfortunately - the site is believed to possibly be a network of royal apartments for Harimaguadas. The area may be fenced off, but views of it are still well worth seeking out, albeit some distance off.

Cueva Pintada, Painted Guanche Caves Galdar Gran Canaria

Alongside some of the important Guanche cave sites on La Palma, the Cueva Pintada or Painted Cave site on Gran Canaria is one of the most treasured Guanche cave networks across the Canary Islands. As well as the painted cave there's a superb Museum and Archaeological Park here (see weblink right). Various ceramics and human skeletons were discovered here at Cueva Pintada in 1873. The highlight discovery was the painted cave walls revealing geometric structures and designs of circular, triangular and square shapes - obviously an intricate communication was going on here. Active archaeological work is still well away here, hence restricted access to the public. Eventually though it should be a major Guanche historical site - with easier access.

It's well worth combining a visit to the Cueva Pintada with a trip to the Museo Canario in Las Palmas, as this museum explores further the social organisation here and indeed exhibits many of the findings, including Guanche mummies found here.

Explore the comprehensive Cueva Pintada website (link right) prior to your visit.

Cueva Pintada, C/ Audiencia no. 2, Galdar (Gran Canaria). CP: 35460. Tel.: 928895746. The Museo Ethnografico de Barranco Hondo de Abajo, Tel: 928 55 51 20, is open from 12 noon until 5.30pm from Mondays to Fridays, however if you want to tour the caves you need to ring and book yourself on a guided tour. Also, check the website right for updates on access to the caves, and guided tour information.