One of the most interesting aspects of Gran Canaria is the cave houses that can be found throughout the island. These cave houses are an important part of the island’s history, culture, and architecture, and they continue to attract visitors from all over the world. In this post, we will explore the cave houses in Gran Canaria in more detail, examining their history, their construction, and their significance to the island’s culture.
History of the cave houses in Gran Canaria
The cave houses in Gran Canaria have a long history, dating back to the prehistoric era. It is believed that the first cave houses on the island were created by the Guanches, the native people of the Canary Islands, who used the caves as shelter and protection from the elements. These early cave houses were simple structures, consisting of little more than a hole in the rock with a fire pit and some basic furnishings.
Over time, as the island was colonized and developed by the Spanish, the cave houses became more sophisticated. They were used as homes, storage facilities, and even as churches. In fact, many of the island’s most important cultural and historical landmarks, such as the Cueva Pintada Museum and Archaeological Park, are built around and into cave houses.
Construction of the cave houses
The cave houses in Gran Canaria are constructed using a variety of techniques, depending on the age of the structure and the purpose for which it was built. Some of the earliest cave houses on the island were created simply by digging a hole in the rock and building a fire pit and basic furnishings. Later cave houses were more sophisticated, with carved stone walls and ceilings and wooden or stone doorways.
One of the most interesting aspects of the cavehouses in Gran Canaria is the fact that they are still in use today. Many of the island’s residents still live in cavehouses, and these structures have been adapted over time to meet the needs of modern living. Today’s cavehouses often feature modern amenities such as electricity, running water, and even Internet access, while still retaining the unique character and charm of the original structures.
Significance of the cave houses
The cave houses in Gran Canaria are an important part of the island’s culture and history. They serve as a reminder of the island’s prehistoric past and the ancient cultures that once inhabited the island. They are also a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the island’s inhabitants, who were able to create homes and communities in the midst of a challenging and inhospitable environment.
In addition to their historical and cultural significance, the cave houses in Gran Canaria are also important from an ecological perspective. Because they are built into the rock, they offer a natural insulation against the heat and cold, making them much more energy-efficient than traditional homes. They also have a smaller carbon footprint, as they require less building materials and are less likely to be affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes.
Visiting the cave houses in Gran Canaria
If you’re interested in learning more about the cave houses in Gran Canaria, there are a number of ways to do so. One option is to visit some of the island’s museums and archaeological sites, such as the Cueva Pintada Museum. This site offer a wealth of information about the history and construction of the cave houses, as well as their cultural significance.
Staying at a cave house
Staying in one of these traditional cave houses can be a great way to experience the island’s rich history and culture firsthand. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most interesting and authentic cave houses on the island.
Firgas – Cuevas de Barreto
Artenara – Casa Cueva El Mimo
Artenara – Cave house El Caidero
Agüimes – Rural house Guayadeque Ca’ Juani
Santa Brigida – Casa Cueva Bandama (available on Booking/AirBnB)
Santa Brigida – La Cuevita cave house (available on Booking/AirBnB)
Tejeda – Ecoturismo Casa Cueva (available on Booking/AirBnB)
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