30 GET TO KNOW GRAN CANARIA I CONOCE GRAN CANARIA EDICIÓN <strong>29</strong> Agüimes, a cultural space in the open By Mathias Valles Agüimes is one of those clear examples of being a municipality that has everything to offer, both to visitors and residents. In every square inch of its territory, visitors can easily find great examples of traditional Canary architecture, beaches, aboriginal sites, naturally green landscapes and an enviable history. Agüimes has a lot to tell, and the place that stands out most in this respect is its historic town centre. This open-air museum was founded a year before the discovery of America and was one of the first settlements after the Castilian conquest of the island. Today, its historic town centre constitutes a dynamic space for culture and leisure. The restoration of the town over the years has enhanced its attractiveness and made it known to all its visitors. Walking along the cobbled streets is a delight, and in each façade, square or corner, we will find religious heritage, murals or sculptures that make up this open cultural space, reminding us of the region’s great past. History lovers should head straight to the Museum of History of Agüimes and the town centre’s Visitor Centre, located on the site where the old Chapel of San Antonio Abad, built in the middle of the 16th century, once stood. These cultural institutions will immerse us in the municipality’s past, from the aboriginal era through to the arrival of the European conquerors. On show are historical relics, archaeological remains and interactive exhibitions that will help visitors to better understand the rich history of Agüimes. Another essential visit around here is actually its main attraction: the Parish Church of San Sebastián. It is a stone building, with a certain cathedral style and a façade that represents one of the finest examples of Canary neoclassicism architecture. This place of worship attracts the interest of most visitors and was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument in 1981. Inside it houses important works by great artists such as the Canary Islander Luján Pérez and the Sevilla-born Martín de Andújar, all of which are housed in three easily recognisable architectural styles: Gothic, Neoclassical and, of course, Baroque. In order to promote rural tourism, the "Casa de los Camellos" has been restored and is now a hotel. The name comes from the fact that it was an old barn and stable for camels and dromedaries, when they were used as a means of loading and transport. This place is more than 300 years old and was used to keep these animals, who were able to gain access through high doors that still form part of the current building. Yet Agüimes is not only history and architecture, it is also a natural paradise. Just a few kilometres from the historic town centre is the Barranco de Guayadeque ravine, one of the most interesting natural monuments in <strong>Gran</strong> <strong>Canaria</strong>. It is a place of the utmost natural beauty, and is highly popular with tourists and locals alike. It is classified as a Natural Monument and an Asset of Cultural Interest, and is ideal for walking along its beautiful paths, exploring the caves inhabited since pre-Hispanic times or enjoying a picnic in stunning natural surroundings. It is the site of one of the most important aboriginal settlements in the Canary Islands, where archaeological finds such as mummies, pots and many other utensils pertaining to the daily life of the pre-Hispanic settlers have been found, which are currently in different museums in the Canary Islands. The Guayadeque Visitor Centre, located at the entrance to the ravine, will provide a fascinating insight into the natural and archaeological wealth of the area. Ascending along the road that winds its way through the ravine, we can enjoy one of the most beautiful routes on the island as we look at the almond tree blossom during the months of January and February. There are also a number of snug little restaurants carved into the rock of the mountain which will lead us to the interesting troglodyte village of Cueva Bermeja. Just 15 minutes by car from the historic centre of Agüimes, visitors can also access, along a footpath, a place that was once of great importance as an enclave for pre-Hispanic settlers: Roque Aguayro. It is a phonolitic piton superimposed on basaltic lava flows, located more than 500 metres above sea level, which holds great religious significance and has several archaeological sites in the surrounding areas. It was first mentioned in writings back in 1551 and is a place full of legends about hidden treasures in the caves on the way to the top of this rock. Another place not to be missed is the highly interesting hamlet of Temisas, which is less than 20 minutes by car from the parish church of San Sebastián. It offers beautiful views, and was awarded the status of Representative Canary Island Farmhouse by the Government of the Canary Islands. Inside, visitors can contemplate an extraordinary landscape of mountains and catch a view of the Roque Aguayro. It is also possible to visit the most important olive grove in the Canary Archipelago, made up of native species of olive trees, and where the San Miguel Chapel is located, built by the locals in the 18th century. On the way, there is an almost obligatory stop for those who are passionate about pre-Hispanic culture: Las Cuevas de la Audiencia. It is an archaeological site consisting of a group of caves discovered in 1934, while the road passing through was being built. According to experts, it is a large collective granary made up of many interconnected caves of different sizes. So as we can see, spending a day out to discover Agüimes goes far beyond a simple tourist experience. It is a journey that will linger long in the memory of those who decide to come and check ou the area.
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