The Risco Caído archaeological site, located in Artenara, Gran Canaria, continues to reveal fascinating insights into the ancient cultures of the Canary Islands. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2019, Risco Caído is believed to have functioned as an ancient astronomical observatory.
The most prominent feature is a cave with an opening that allows sunlight to illuminate an interior wall adorned with triangular rock carvings during the summer solstice. A similar phenomenon occurs during the winter solstice with the light of the full moon. UNESCO recognizes Risco Caído as a significant example of ancestral knowledge of celestial movements.
Archaeological evidence suggests that the first inhabitants of this area were Berber populations from North Africa, who arrived around the 1st century AD. They maintained their way of life until the Spanish conquest in the 15th century. Risco Caído showcases a sophisticated cultural system rooted in nature observation, agricultural practices, and religious beliefs associated with a "Mother Earth" figure. The site comprises cliffs, ravines, and volcanic formations, including cave dwellings, temples, and granaries, demonstrating the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the pre-Hispanic culture that evolved in isolation for over 1500 years.