The Acusa Seca archaeological site in Gran Canaria is one of the most important on the island because of the remarkable history hidden among its ravines and caves.
From the Lopesan Group Blog, we want to introduce you to magical places to discover during your travels, and Acusa Seca, in Gran Canaria, is one of those unforgettable sites where you can get closer to the history of the ancient inhabitants of the archipelago.
The Mesa Acusa Archaeological Complex
Acusa Seca in Gran Canaria belongs to Mesa Acusa, which is one of the largest archaeological complexes in Spain. It is located northwest of the Tejeda Basin, in the interior of the municipality of Artenara.
The Mesa Acusa archaeological complex has 6 different settlements inside it, which you can discover if you decide to enjoy a getaway to this Canary Island:
- Los Corrales de Acusa: several caves, mostly artificial, with two levels and cave paintings inside.
- Acusa Seca: a group of 40 completely natural caves with different motifs.
- El Álamo: stands out for its emblematic, large granary, which was excavated during the pre-Hispanic period.
- La Candelaria: made up of 4 levels where different caves overlap.
- El Hornillo: has 4 levels, although 3 of them are currently inaccessible; this is the second settlement where the most remains have been extracted during excavations.
- Fortomaga: this nucleus stands out for its green-painted tea-wood doors.
Within the 6 nuclei or settlements found in Mesa Acusa, there are archaeological remains of the ancient Canarians. There, you can find dwellings, furniture, cave art, granaries, caves, burial enclaves and tombs.
For this reason, a few years ago the entire archaeological complex of Mesa Acusa in Gran Canaria was declared a Site of Cultural Interest and part of Spain’s historical heritage.
With more than 264,000 square metres of surface area, it is worth noting that most of the most important remains of this complex are located in Acusa Seca. Would you visit it? de este complejo se localizan en Acusa Seca. ¿Te animarías a visitarlo?
How to Get to Acusa Seca in Gran Canaria
After passing the settlement of Los Corrales, you reach Acusa Seca in Gran Canaria. If you enjoy dreamlike landscapes, discovering history and hiking, this route becomes a great alternative for adventure lovers.
The entire archaeological complex of Mesa Acusa reaches an altitude of 990 metres above sea level and is bordered by several ravines, such as Barranco Grande, El Merino and the Barrancos de Silo.
By completing the route through the different settlements, you will be able to enjoy impressive views first-hand. Several of the island’s most emblematic places can be seen from Acusa Seca in Gran Canaria, including Roque Nublo, Roque Bentayga and the Caldera de Tejeda.
Another distinctive feature of this archaeological site is the remains of cave paintings. You will be able to observe unique patterns and see some fingerprints left by the ancient Canarian inhabitants.
Caves of Acusa Seca in Gran Canaria
Inside the Acusa Seca archaeological site in Gran Canaria, there are more than 40 caves of different types, although most of them are cave dwellings. Various archaeological remains of the ancient aborigines of the archipelago have been found in these caves.
The cave-houses of Acusa Seca have several levels. This settlement became the most important one until 1920, as the inhabitants of the area carried out all kinds of everyday activities there, such as farming or even using some of the caves as a cemetery.
Today, several of these cave dwellings belong to the Cabildo de Gran Canaria and are preserved as important heritage of the island. However, some of the cave-houses are privately owned by residents who live there occasionally, usually at weekends, or permanently in the area.
Cueva de San Juan in Acusa Seca
Among all the cave levels of Acusa Seca in Gran Canaria, one chapel-type cave stands out, known as the Cueva de San Juan, which is easily distinguished from the others by an opening shaped like a skylight. Why does it have this opening?
According to tradition, this opening once held a bell, which was built by the Franciscans in the 14th century. In this cave, devotions were first made to Saint John and later to the Virgin of La Candelaria, although each one later had a separate cave.
The Canarian Museum in Las Palmas
A large part of the archaeological remains from the complex that can be seen in the museum come from Acusa Seca. Therefore, if you are interested in seeing these remains, you should visit the Canarian Museum in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and its well-preserved archaeological exhibition.
The different excavations carried out at the Acusa Seca archaeological site in Gran Canaria have provided astonishing remains such as mummies, sculptures, ceramics and pieces of furniture, among others. One of its most recognised figures is known as the Idol of Acusa. It is an anthropomorphic sculpture representing a head and torso. This piece had two parts, but one of them has not been recovered.
If you are thinking of discovering the interior of Gran Canaria and historical places such as Acusa Seca or Artenara, staying in the south of Gran Canaria will allow you to combine cultural excursions, nature and beaches during your holidays. The Lopesan hotels in Gran Canaria are an excellent option for enjoying the island while exploring some of its most surprising places.
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