| Lanzarote - The
seven Tourist Centres - Created by César Manrique Los
Jameos del Agua | |
"Los Jameos del Agua" (The
Water Hollows)
is a section of an over 6 kilometres long volcanic tunnel
that originated within the extensive lava flows which covered the north-eastern
part of the island during the spectacular eruption of the "La Corona"
volcano some thousands of years ago.
The
name "jameo" is a word from the indigenous language of Lanzarote, equivalent
to the Spanish word "torca" that describes a deep round depression with
high sloping walls in the ground. In the present case, it is the consequence of
the collapsing of a volcanic tube's roof.
This
impressive site was developed according to a well thought-out plan, integrating
bars, restaurants, dance floors, swimming pool, and a spectacular auditorium with
a capacity for some 500 people, where very remarkable concerts are frequently
performed. The entire area was decorated with exuberant exotic plants and original
ornamental accessories.
A fascinating enchantment
emanates from the little lagoon of crystal clear salt water that has formed inside
the cavern, the water from the sea seeping through. Due to the motionlessness
of its mirror like surface, the tides of the sea can be observed with perfect
precision. Right over it in the centre of the ceiling vault, there is a narrow
opening. During the midday hours, a ray of sunlight penetrates the cave, producing
an effect of singular beauty as it touches the crystalline waters of the lagoon.
That opening probably originated during the process of formation, provoked by
the pressure of evaporating sea water. The stony stopper that remained on the
outside next to the opening is still bearing witness to this event.
In
this idyllic subterranean lagoon lives a fragile, almost blind albino crab with
the scientific denomination of "Munidopsis polymorpha". It is a zoological
rarity exclusive to this location, although it is classed as belonging to the
aboriginal fauna.
At the southern end of
the cavern there is the entrance to the "Túnel de la Atlántida",
an astonishing underwater tunnel of more than 1,5 kilometres in length, where
the world record in underwater speleology has been set up.
After
the appropriate works, this significant centre of art, culture and tourism was
opened to the public by the Island Administration in 1966.
Later
on, the "Casa de los Volcanos" (House of the Volcanoes) has been built
next to the "Los Jameos del Agua". It accommodates an institution -
exemplary and avant-garde in the field of science - that investigates the geological
nature of the island and is highly appreciated throughout the world.
edited
by: