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Necrópolis de Arteara

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Necrópolis de Arteara

What to see and doTourist Attraction

Scattered across the arid slopes of Fataga ravine, the Arteara Necropolis stands as a silent witness to Gran Canaria's aboriginal culture. With over 800 tumular structures spread across more than 13 hectares of rocky terrain, this pre-Hispanic cemetery represents the island's most extensive funerary complex, where ancient Canarian inhabitants laid their deceased to rest in individual and collective burials that have endured through centuries.

Walking among these volcanic stone mounds means stepping into the spiritual universe of the archipelago's first settlers. Some tumuli are aligned with the sunrise during the spring equinox, revealing the astronomical knowledge of that civilization. The interpretation center, housed in a traditional Canarian dwelling, offers deeper insights into funerary practices and the social organization of ancient Canarians.

The necropolis sits within a naturally beautiful enclave where landscape silence invites contemplation. Though some services need attention, the site retains its evocative power and is well regarded by those seeking to connect with the islands' deepest roots. An essential corner for understanding the history before the Castilian conquest.

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