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Cenobio de Valerón Travel Guide

Travel to Cenobio de Valerón - Protected Archaeological Area

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Cenobio de Valerón is one of Gran Canaria’s most spectacular archaeological sites where visitors can discover Canarians' way of life, architecture, economy, and beliefs. The site is probably the most beautiful cave-related sight on Gran Canaria.

Cenobio de Valerón is listed as a protected archaeological area.

Cenobio de Valerón archaeological site is in the municipality of Santa María de Guía, on the northern slopes of the island. It is a spectacular communal grain store excavated in volcanic rock which dates back to before the Spanish conquest. The site consists of a complex of 298 caves under a natural basalt arch which is one of the most interesting relics of the ancient Canarians, and one of the most puzzling. The caves are found on the left side of Calabozo valley, high on a rock face of Mt. Gallego.

Natural geological conditions had provided a volcanic cone, today known as Mt. Gallego, in which erosion had opened a large natural arch 20m metres high and 27 metres wide on the north slope of the hill. Aborigines were able to convert the opening into a storage area helped by the soft inconsistent nature of the rock, composed of compacted volcanic pyroclasts known as toba or tosca, which was easily excavated.

The temperature and humidity in the caves were ideal for storing large quantities of grain and other produce essential to the aborigines. The caves were also strategically located on an easily defended sheer face not visible from outside, which made them a natural fortress against pirates arriving by sea in search of slaves, skins, or grain, and raids by other groups.