Cenobio de Valeron Santa Maria

It was once thought that the complex, in a rocky cliff a few miles east of Santa Maria de Guia  was the abode of Guanche priestesses, or Harimaguadas, who served the god Alcorac; or that it housed young noblewomen in the period before marriage, when they were fed a calorie-rich diet in preparation for motherhood. Now, scholars agree that the caves were used as a fortified grain depository, indicating a high degree of social organization.

The caves, under a red yellow basalt arch like the upper jaws of a great fish, appear from a distance like a colony of swallows' nests, made up of round and rectangular chambers. They are reached by winding, steep stairs cut into the rock with the occasional platform.

Early writers described their astonishment on first seeing the Cenobio de Valeron, the round arch, the intricate complex of caves connected by steps and passages, and towers (now disappeared at either side of the entrance overlooking the barranco). This was no mean achievement by people who had no knowledge of metal and used only stones and animal bones as tools.

Concerns for safety and the work of preservation have effectively put much of the complex out of bounds. It is no longer possible to clamber about inside the caves and explore the site. However, climbing up to this extraordinary place and seeing the evidence of the local 15th century Stone Age culture is still a fascinating experience.