Just three kilometres from the city of Telde is the Cuatro Puertas Site, an artificial cavern excavated by hand in the volcanic tuff three hundred metres above sea level, on the Montaña Bermeja. Its name comes from the four entrances, or doors (puertas). These face north and lead to a horizontal platform, the great hall.
From the great hall the sun’s rays can be seen entering on the days around the summer solstice. This occurs because of its layout. The rays of the rising sun shine in through the second door, illuminating the back wall. At sunset, by contrast, they enter through the third and fourth doors. The rays travel along the floor of the cave until they reach the southeast wall and touch the little “bowl” in the corner just before the sun completely sets.
To explore this archaeological site is to immerse yourself in the history of Gran Canaria before the arrival of the European colonists. The caves show evidence of how the Guanches lived and organised themselves, with areas for everyday life, ritual spaces and possibly storage areas.
As well as its historical importance, Cuatro Puertas offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, with panoramic vistas of the Telde valley and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a perfect place to connect with nature and reflect on the island’s past.
A visit to Cuatro Puertas is an essential trip for lovers of history and archaeology.
Location:
Lugar de Cuatro Puertas s/n; access via GC-100. There is no visitors’ centre.
How to get there:
6.3 kilometres from Telde, 8 from Ingenio and 11.6 by the GC 100. Route 35 of the Global public transport company connects these three places to the immediate vicinity of the site.
Opening hours: open 24 hours
Entrance: free
