Gran Canaria's Historical Villages
Agüimes: A 15th Century Village with Museums and Mummified Remains
Aug 8, 2008
The tranquil streets of Agüimes lay like a maze around the town’s Spanish style squares or "plazas". The plazas form an integral part of life in this rural area and are used by the local inhabitants as meeting points and social centres.
As well as forming a significant base for the resident community, Agüimes and the neighbouring valley of Guayadeque are two of the most important archaeological sites in Gran Canaria. The majority of the exhibits displayed in the island’s many museums were originally unearthed in this area.
The Emblematic Lizards
The hillsides along the steep, winding road that leads into Agüimes are adorned with huge colourfully painted metallic lizards. The rocky barren area at the entrance to the town has been designated as a national park and is the natural terrain of a protected species of five-toed lizard that is unique to the Canaries. Over recent years the lizard silhouette has been adopted as the towns emblem and can be seen displayed in various forms though out the whole county of Agüimes, particularly popular with the local people are the black stickers for cars.
Neo-Gothic Church of San Sebastian
Agüimes as a settlement was founded in the mid-fifteenth century, with the town’s development centring around the imposing structure of the church. The white domed, neo-gothic towers, of San Sebastian dominate the town’s landscape, and the church building is fronted by one of Agüimes most important social centres, the Plaza del Rosario. The church’s interior is highly ornate, displaying many statues of the local saints and other religious artefacts.
Plaza del Rosario
This huge, tree shaded square is situated in front of the church and is the focal point for many of the town’s main social events during the year. At Easter time the plaza is converted into a dramatic stage, with actuations of the crucifixion on huge wooden crosses. In January, for the Canarian Christmas celebration of the Three Kings, a huge castle structure is built that fills the square and the town’s children prepare in eager readiness for the arrival of the camel mounted princes and their traditional gift giving ceremony.
Gory Mummified Remains in the Museum
In the smaller square called Plaza de San Anton is a museum that displays a delightfully, gory Guanche mummy. The desiccated remains, which were discovered in one of the funeral caves of Guayadeque, are guaranteed to fascinate younger visitors. The many other exhibits on show depict various aspects of typical local life and there is a miniature, scaled model of the town.
Agüimes Decorated Streets
The streets of Agüimes are adorned with statues, all sculpted by very talented local artists. In the main square the Plaza del Rosario are three good examples, a local "turron" or sweet seller, a sturdily bodied Canarian donkey and the masked dancers who celebrate the tradition of the carnival. To one side of the church is a naked cellist, whose bronze platform emits classical music all day long in homage to the arts. In a tiny street called Calle del Reloj is a beautifully created, and much photographed loving couple seated on a bench.
One of the most popular statues with visitors to the town is the life size, bronze camel that lies on the cobbles outside of the town’s rural hotel the Casa de Camellos.
Agüimes Rural Houses and Hotels
Dotted around the historic centre of Agüimes are many old town houses that have been renovated and are now rented out as holiday accommodation. The rural houses are denoted by a simple, emerald green plaque that carries the lettering "CR" or casa rural. Most of the houses are of typical Canarian design with delightful open-air, interior patios and authentic wooden shutters. One of the best examples is the Casa de Camellos; a well organized building that has been converted into a hotel and restaurant, the most impressive features are the heavy balconies and well tended garden areas.
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