Lanzarote - Island of the Canaries La Cueva de los Verdes

Apartment Carmelo & Casita Susi near Cueva de Los Verdes www.real-lanzarote.com

"La Cueva de los Verdes" (The Cavern of the Family Verde) is an approximately one kilometre long section of the so-called "El Tubo Volcánico de los Jameos", one of the longest volcanic tubes of the world. This gigantic serpentine cavern is more than 6 kilometres in length on the continental shelf, continuing at least an additional 1,5 kilometres under the sea bed.

The word "jameo" comes from the language of Lanzarote's indigenous inhabitants and is used to denote extremely great cavities in the earth, characteristic for the collapsing of a volcanic tube's roof. For example, at the bottom of one of these cavities there are the entrance to and the exit from this cavern.

A volcanic tube or tunnel - as that kind of cavern is denoted in geological terms - is being created by a very fluid current of incandescent lava, forcing its way through the interior of a previous lava flow that has not yet reached a high solidifying state. A point is then reached when, due to the cooling ambient air, the upper layer of this igneous stream petrifies, thus forming the ceiling of the tunnel. Once the lava emissions ceases, the inner lava runs out and these characteristic serpentine tubes remain.

In the present case, the process must have repeated itself, as a large part of the tunnel comprises of two galleries. They are only occasionally connected by great openings, although in some parts of considerable length, the horizontal partition is missing completely due to the collapse of the roof.

According to sound estimates, the formation of this great volcanic tube must date back to a period of time between three and five millennia. It is assumed that the tremendous volcanic eruption of "La Corona" volcano took place at that time, being the starting point of this tunnel.

In past centuries, this cavern was of important significance to the inhabitants of the island, as it served them as a secure shelter from the numerous pirate invasions.

The room called "El refugio" (place of refuge), situated in the most concealed part of the cavern, was practically impregnable in those times. Its access is reduced to a gap so low and narrow that only one person can squeeze through. On the end of the cavern room, there is a vertical abyss of about 15 metres in height, which is accessible only by throwing down ropes or ladders from above.

After the cavern had been made accessible, among other things with a comfortable path and some additional stairs, it was opened to the public by the Island Administration in 1964.

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