UNESCO World Heritage Site

Risco Caido and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria Cultural Landscape

Risco Caido and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria Cultural Landscape is a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain, inscribed in 2019.

Located in a vast mountainous area in the centre of Gran Canaria, Risco Caído comprises cliffs, ravines and volcanic formations in a landscape of rich biodiversity. The landscape includes a large number of troglodyte settlements — habitats, granaries and cisterns — whose age is p

Located in a vast mountainous area in the centre of Gran Canaria, Risco Caído comprises cliffs, ravines and volcanic formations in a landscape of rich biodiversity. The landscape includes a large number of troglodyte settlements — habitats, granaries and cisterns — whose age is proof of the presence of a pre-Hispanic culture on the island, which has evolved in isolation, from the arrival of North African Berbers, around the beginning of our era, until the first Spanish settlers in the 15th century. The troglodyte complex also includes cult cavities and two sacred temples, or almogarenes — Risco Caído and Roque Bentayga — where seasonal ceremonies were held. These temples are thought to be linked to a possible cult of the stars and Mother Earth.

Country
Spain
Region
Europe
Category
Cultural
Inscribed
2019
UNESCO reference
1578
Area
9,425 ha

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Counts are based on Zikzak's current UNESCO World Heritage dataset, sourced from UNESCO. Last updated 7 August 2026. UNESCO insights

Collections featuring Risco Caido and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria Cultural Landscape

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