Can you hear the whispers of the wind? They carry tales of La Gomera’s past right here at the Cruz. This isn’t just a viewpoint. It’s a window into the soul of this volcanic island.
La Gomera, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, rises dramatically from the Atlantic. It is a land shaped by fire and sculpted by time. The island is roughly circular. It measures about 22 kilometers in diameter. Imagine an orange cut in half, then split into segments. That’s La Gomera. Deep ravines, called barrancos, radiate from the center.
From this vantage point at the Cruz, consider the island’s layers. The lower altitudes are desert. The higher mountains enjoy a Mediterranean climate. This contrast creates diverse microclimates.
For centuries, La Gomera’s inhabitants have ingeniously farmed these lands. They channel runoff water to irrigate vineyards, orchards, and banana groves. The upper slopes host a laurisilva, a laurel rain forest. This lush woodland receives up to 50 inches of rain each year.
Look around and try to envision the original inhabitants. They worshipped their god Orahan in these mountains. The island’s summit was their sanctuary. In 1489, natives sought refuge here. They faced defeat by the Spanish. Here at the Cruz, it is where the conquest of La Gomera ended. Archaeologists have found ceremonial stone constructions nearby. These appear to be sacrificial altars. The Guanches built pyres to offer goats and sheep to Orahan.
Now, consider a more recent chapter in La Gomera’s story. Christopher Columbus made La Gomera his last stop before his voyage. In 1492, he replenished his ships’ supplies. He intended to stay only four days, but the island held him for a month. Beatriz de Bobadilla y Ossorio, the Countess of La Gomera, supported Columbus. When he finally sailed, she gave him sugarcane cuttings. These became the first to reach the New World. After his first voyage, Columbus returned to San Sebastián de La Gomera. He provisioned his ships for his second voyage.
Here at the Cruz, it’s easier to appreciate La Gomera’s unique culture. Think about Silbo Gomero, the whistled language. This unique form of communication travels across deep ravines. The original inhabitants invented it. Spanish settlers adopted it in the 16th century. The local government now requires children to learn it in school.
As you stand here at the Cruz, feel the blend of history and nature. La Gomera’s story is etched into its landscapes and its people.