CUATRO PUERTAS

Cuatro Puertas is one of the largest discovered archeological complexes on whole archipelago of Canary Islands. It is located on the Montaña Bermeja hill, about 3 km from Telde, at the old road between Telde and Ingenio.


On the top of the hill we find perfectly preserved complexes of the rock caves, like Cueva de Los Papeles or Cueva de Los Pilares, the remains of former "altar" Almogaren and the spacious cave chamber - Cueva de Cuatro Puertas. From the leading between caves rocky passage extends excellent panoramic view of Montaña de Gando, of the situated nearby airport, and the entire south-western part of the island.

Cueva de Cuatro Puertas - situated on the northern slope of Montaña Bermeja, on a top of stone stairs, the spacious, carved from the volcanic rock cave chamber with a four entrances, from which it took its name (Cuatro Puertas means Four Doors). Outside, in the parallel to the entrance rows, are small round holes, which probably supported the poles put there to hang a coverings on them, what had to protect the cave from sun and wind. The destination of this cave isn't exactly known. One of theories says that it was a convent for girls waiting for marriage. According to other, it could be home of the rulers of Telde, or the other important persons in the country.

Almogaren - on the top of the mountain Montaña Bermeja, on the slope facing the south, is the proper place of worship of the ancient Canarians, known also as Altar de Libaciónes - the sacrificial altar. It is located in the shallow cave and consist of the semi-circle-shaped row and the holes hollowed in various places. On the surrounding rocks are engraved signs and symbols. Most of theories agrees that this place was associated to the fertility rituals - the ceremonies to collect rain to raise the feed crops. Because of engraved symbols some believe that it was used for astronomical observations.

Cueva de los Pilares - the group of caves on the southern slope of Montaña Bermeja, it name comes from the pillars of volcanic rock that supports the ceiling. Inside caves are linked by tunnels and stairs, while outside by a passage, which was unfortunately damaged by the small landslides. On the walls preserved the triangle-shaped engravings.

Cueva de los Papeles - an artificial carved cave on the southern slope of the hill of Montaña Bermeja, circular in the horizontal section, with an additional room on a side. Outside, there are interesting channels to drain the rainwater, holes that supports the ceiling poles, and the receivers for storage the water. On the wall we find engravings of triangles in different sizes - traditionaly such symbols might be associated with the fertility rituals.

			Cueva de Cuatro Puertas
Cueva de Cuatro Puertas	Almogaren	Almogaren	Cueva de Los Papeles
Cueva de Los Pilares	Cueva de Los Pilares	Cueva de Los Pilares	Cueva de Los Pilares
Cueva de Los Pilares	Cueva de Los Pilares	Cueva de Los Pilares

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