Research

The term “cenobio” derives from the misconception that the chambers were a kind of convent where daughters of the nobility dwelt until they were wed, watched over by socially powerful priests and priestesses. The origin of this belief is unknown although it dates back several centuries. Today the idea is totally discredited and research concludes it was a communal grain store.

Cenobio de Valerón is mentioned in almost every work on the early history of the Canary Islands. The first specific reference to the Cenobio in archaeological records was in the late 19th century in a work by the historian D. Agustín Millares. This was followed by a series of articles, all of which stressed the importance of this unique site. Reference works include:
“El Cenobio de Valerón”, José Batllori y Lorenzo, 1901; “Silo colectivo pre-hispano; Agadír de Valerón”, Sebastián Jiménez Sánchez, 1944; “Cuevas de Valerón: ni cenobio ni granero”, Pedro Hernández Benítez, 1944; “El “cenobio” de Valerón”, D. Dominio Josef Wolfel, 1954; “Cenobio de Valéron”, Rubén Naranjo et al, written in the 1980’s.

Chronicles of the conquest in the 15th century

Such chronicles refer to the existence of grain stores. For example, Gómez Escudero writes:

“(…..)there were cavities where barley and foodstuffs were stored to be shared out when there was a shortage. There were silos in the rock face where grain could be kept fresh for many years, unlike today.”

“(….)they kept a stockpile of barley, figs, lard, salted meat fat and other basics as well as implements such as casseroles and mills, in case there was a war.”

A.Sedeño also writes:

"EFoodstuff was stored in the highest caves where it kept better and lasted longer."

Today, this idea is discredited, and the caves are believed to have been excavated and used by the canarians as a communal grain store prior to the conquest in the 15^th century.

18^TH Century

The earliest reference to this archaeological site dates back to the 18th century in a text written by the historian Pedro Agustín del Castillo:

“Once, I was in the Guía district, in a place known as La Dehesa, and the two prominent local gentlemen who accompanied me asked if I would like to see an ancient monastery situated high above the Valeron valley. Two horsemen lead me to the place and we made the perilous ascent. I must confess I was astounded to see the structure carved out of the rock face using rudimentary axes or picks made from flint stones attached to sticks, as metal implements were unknown at the time. Using such tools they also carved wood and cut down the thickest of pines. A great arch was cut into the mountainside which lead into a long corridor with many small chambers equally placed on either side. Some were on top of others and each had a window. There were two towers on either side of the entrance which could be scaled from the inside, with windows overlooking the deep valley below”

19^TH Century

In the 19^th century Sabino Berthelot visited the site and his account reiterates the traditional idea that it was a monastery or convent where the harimagüadas, who were high priestesses, would have lived.

“Situated high on the slopes of the Valeron valley, in Gran Canaria, a large portico leads into a vast complex with small chambers cut into the rock on both sides. Pedro del Castillo claims that each chamber has a window overlooking the valley and that there are two towers with inner steps at the front of the cave. However, when we visited the site in 1827, in the company of our sadly missed friend P.B. Webb, we saw no sign of either.”

The anthropologist René Verneau visited the site at the end of the 19^th century. He describes it and casts doubt on the idea that it was a monastery:

“The ancient chronicles speak about the existence of vestal virgins who lived in a convent in vast caverns. I was shown one such place, situated high on a hillside. Tired and perspiring, I took a photograph of the interior. This consisted of a multitude of superimposed niches cut into the rock. Some were small and other larger ones would not have accommodated an adult body. Unfortunately, ignorant treasure seekers have caused considerable destruction.”

20^TH Century

By the 20th century, historians had discredited the idea that these caves were a monastery or convent, suggesting instead that they were a communal grain store used by the ancient Canarians. Detailed study of the size, features and materials found and comparison with other similar sites both in Gran Canaria and North Africa lead them to this conclusion.
Despite extensive archaeological work and documentation, nobody has managed to explain exactly how the products stored here were used and distributed.