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The Cueva de los Verdes was formed as a result of a very fluid lava stream which outer surface solidified cooling-down by the air. This way the roof of the cave was formed. The cave emerged when the downer part of the lava stream flew on and finally left a hole behind. Arriving at the ocean, the lava provoked the accumulation of gases in the inside of the cave leading to the collaps of its roof. The phenomenon of the hole generated in the roof of the cave is called jameo providing the access to the cave.
There are two theories to explain the nombre „ de los Verdes“ . While the first theory is about the mysterious green colour inside the cave, the second one treats of the name „los Verdes“ of the former proprietors of the area in which the Cueva de los Verdes is situated. The second theory is the one defended by the historians.
The Cueva de los Verdes offers a great history. It was inhabited by the prehispanic population whose customs and way of life are explained by implements found inside the cave. Furthermore it has served as place of refuge from the pirats who attacked the island to capture people in order to press goods for their release or to sell them as slaves in Africa and Europe.
In 1964 Jesus Soto designed, arranged and illuminated a passage of the cave in order to be visited. It takes one hour to walk through the passage that offers suitable music to the ambience and a very convenient inside temperature. Furthermore one can admire capricious forms in the rocks, e.g. the stalactites originated by the dripping lava and highlighted by an indirect ilumination. Inside the cave was created an auditorium which offers excellent acoustics and therefore is a perfect place for concerts of wind instruments. |
