The ancient caves from El Alguacilejo. Vernacular habitat and landscape of Gran Canaria, Spain

Abstract

El Alguacilejo is a troglodyte site located in the north region of the Gran Canaria Island. The initial dwellings from this site were built at the end of the 19th century and most of them are still in use nowadays. But, what is it known exactly about them? The authors of this paper are currently visiting the inhabitants of this place, most of them aged 70 years or above, to learn about the original local building culture. Working method consists in conducting interview with the native people. In addition, a graphical and descriptive analysis of the building structures and the vernacular landscape is made. Initial results seem to indicate a population with a high collaborative sense. They lived in a three rooms cave, each with a stable. There also remains a water-pond for collective use. All these elements have been excavated on the rock.