Beyond the Beaches of Gran Canaria: Cuatro Puertas and Nearby Sites 2


Cuatro Puertas and Nearby Sites	"Beyond the Beaches of Gran Canaria" October 29, 1999

Above Cuatro Puertas, at the top of the mountain facing the southern slope, is an almagorén, a place of worship like the one on Bentayga. This almagorén lies in a shallow cave and consists of channels, holes, and signs engraved in the rock. The location provides an astounding view of the eastern side of the island, out to the ocean.

Most archaeologists agree that this was a sacred site for the ancient Canarians. Some believe that sites like this were associated with fertility rituals collecting rain to feed crops. Another theory is that the almagorén was used for astronomical observation; the solstices set the farming schedule.

Right: Engravings on the almagorén wall, interpreted by some as astronomical signs

Left: Another view of the semi-circular channel at the almagorén. Depressions like this one could have been used to offer libations in fertility rituals.

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