Hierro
Valverde, capital of the island of El Hierro, is a quiet
city surrounded by beautiful natural spaces. Valverde sits on a mountain situated
600-700 metres above sea level. Curiously, it is the only Canary
Islands capital not to be on the coast.
This town is formed by a network of steep little streets, whitewashed houses
and large gardens. Three neighbourhoods form the capital: Tesine, La Calle
and El Cabo. The church of Santa María de la Concepción, built in the 18th
century, is the most important in the city. As well as an 18th-century carving
of the Virgin, it contains a Cristo de la Columna, a Genoese sculpture of
great artistic interest. Facing the church is the city hall, a fine example
of traditional Canary Islands architecture.
The capital of El Hierro is the gateway to the lush countryside around it.
Monacal, in the northern part of the island, has abundant vegetation and two
natural swimming pools on the coast. Next to the them, you can admire Pozo
de las Calcosas, an old settlement formed by stone houses with straw rooves.
One of the most important festivals on the island is the Bajada de la Virgen
de los Reyes. In this traditional festival, which is held every four years,
the islanders carry their Virgin from her sanctuary to Valverde.