IN SEARCH OF THE OLIVE GROVE

Observatorio Astronómico De Temisas – Cruz Del Siglo – Caldera De Tirajana – Amurga

The so-called Cross of the Century is located in Las Hoyas, in the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana and was placed there at the turn of the century, as a way of welcoming the new century. It was ordered by Pope Leo XIII as a symbol of Christianity. In another of the highest points at the limit of the Caldera de Tirajana, there is another Cruz del Siglo, located only 800 m away from the first cross. Both are visible from many different spots in the valley and their dimensions are similar, reaching 5.40m high x 3.44m wide.

The Caldera de Tirajana is a large erosive depression of about thirty-five square kilometres. Its origin lies in the successive displacements that have taken place in the area. This caldera occupies a large area in the south of the island and is home to many villages, beaches and pine forests.
This large territory extends from the sea to the summit and from the Barranco de Balos ravine to the Barranco de Arguineguín ravine. To the north, the summit is interrupted by the well-known Riscos de Las Tirajanas cliffs and to the south the ocean meets long sandy beaches.

This massif has a great scenic and cultural value for the history of Gran Canaria. It is located between the ravines of Barranco de Tirajana and Barranco de Fataga, and has a great variety of vegetation. Within this massif, there are a number of outstanding archaeological sites and certainly some of the most unusual archaeological ensembles on the island. They embody some of the most complex and spectacular archaeological sites, traditionally considered as a place of worship for the island's ancient aborigines. In different areas of Amurga, there are funeral elements and different aboriginal constructions.