The archaeological site of Acusa Seca in Gran Canaria is one of the most important on the island due to the important history hidden among its ravines and caves.
From the Lopesan Group Blog we want to introduce you to magical places for you to discover during your travels and Acusa Seca, in Gran Canaria, is one of those unforgettable places where you can get closer to the history of the ancient inhabitants of the archipelago.
The archaeological site of Mesa Acusa
Acusa Seca in Gran Canaria belongs to the Mesa Acusa, which is one of the largest archaeological sites in Spain. This is located northwest of the Tejeda Basin in the interior of the municipality of Artenara.
The archaeological site of Mesa Acusa has 6 different villages inside, that you can visit if you dare to make a getaway to this Canarian island:
- Los Corrales de Acusa: various caves, mostly artificial, with two levels with cave paintings inside.
- Acusa Seca: layout of 40 completely natural caves with different motifs.
- El Álamo: it stands out for its emblematic granary of vast extension, which was excavated during pre-Hispanic times.
- La Candelaria: comprises 4 levels where different caves overlap.
- El Hornillo: it has 4 levels, but 3 of them do not currently have access.
- Fortomaga: this nucleus stands out for its green painted tea doors.
Within the 6 nuclei or existing towns in the Mesa Acusa there are archaeological remains of the ancient Canaries. There you can find houses, furniture, rock manifestations, barns, caves, sepulchral enclaves, tombs, etc.
For this reason, a few years ago the entire archaeological site of Mesa Acusa in Gran Canaria was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest and Historical Heritage of Spain.
With more than 264,000 square meters of extension, it should be noted that, the most important vestiges of this complex are located in Acusa Seca. Would you dare to visit it?
How to get to Acusa Seca in Gran Canaria?
Passing the town of Los Corrales you reach Acusa Seca in Gran Canaria. If you like dream landscapes, learning about history, and hiking, this route becomes a great alternative for those who love adventure.
The entire archaeological site of Mesa Acusa reaches a height of 990 meters above sea level and is delimited by several ravines such as Barraco Grande, El Merino, and Barrancos de Silo.
Completing the route of the different towns you will be able to appreciate impressive views. Several of the most emblematic places of the island can be seen from Acusa Seca in Gran Canaria, some of them are the Roque Nublo, Roque Bentayga and the Caldera de Tejeda.
Another distinctive feature of this archaeological site are the remains of cave painting. You will be able to observe unique patterns and see some fingerprints of the ancient Canarian settlers.
Caves of Acusa Seca in Gran Canaria
Within the Acusa Seca archaeological site in Gran Canaria, there are more than 40 caves of different types, but the vast majority 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 town became the most important settlement until 1920, since in it the inhabitants of the area carried out all kinds of conventional activities such as planting or even using one of its caves as a cemetery.
Currently, several of these cave-dwellings belong to the Cabildo de Gran Canaria and are conserved as an important heritage of the island. However, some of the cave houses are owned by private residents who live occasionally, usually on weekends, or permanently in the area.
Cave of San Juan in Acusa Seca
Among all the levels of Acusa Seca caves in Gran Canaria, one of the hermitage types stands out, known as the Cueva de San Juan, which is easily distinguished from the others by a hole in the shape of a skylight. Why does it have that hole?
According to tradition, in that hole, there was a bell, which was built by the Franciscans in the 14th century. In this cave, the dedications to San Juan and then to the Virgin of La Candelaria were made first, but later each one had its own cave separately.
Canary Museum of Las Palmas
Much of the archaeological remains of 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 of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and its well-preserved archaeological exhibition.
The different excavations carried out in the archaeological site of Acusa Seca in Gran Canaria have provided amazing remains such as mummies, sculptures, ceramics, furniture remains, etc. One of its most recognized figures is known as the Idol of Acusa. It is an anthropomorphic sculpture where a head and a torso are represented. This piece had two parts, but one of them has not been recovered.
Where to stay to visit Gran Canaria?
You will love the archaeological site of Acusa Seca in Gran Canaria. It is without a doubt, one of those mandatory stops that you must make if you like to delve into history and discover the customs of ancient populations.
If you are looking for accommodation to make a getaway to Gran Canaria, visit the Lopesan website and book a dream stay in our incredible hotels.
We want to be part of your adventures!
