Roque de Agando

Roque de Agando (commonly called Roque Agando) is a prominent rock formation on the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands.[1] It is one of La Gomera's most striking features and is frequently used as a symbol for the island.

Roque de Agando
Highest point
Elevation1,250 m (4,100 ft)
Prominence180 m (590 ft)
Coordinates28°06′19″N 17°12′49″W 
Geography
Roque de Agando
Location of Roque de Agando in the Canary Islands
LocationLa Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain

Roque Agando is the most prominent of a group of volcanic plugs called simply Los Roques, near the centre of the island.[2] The others are named Roque Ojila and Roque Zarcita, and sometimes Roque Carmona and Roque Las Lajas are also included.[3] It rises directly above the main road between the island's capital San Sebastián and Garajonay National Park in the centre, which makes it a popular tourist sight.

The summit is not accessible by foot. During the 20th century, some easy rock-climbing routes were established on the peak, but climbing is now banned there, and hiking is restricted to established paths in its vicinity, as it forms part of a protected area.[4]

Remains of the indigenous Guanche sacrificial shrines have been found on the summit. These were in good condition until the 1980s, when they were looted by a German group making a documentary film.[5]

References
  1. "Monumento Natural de los Roques: Documento Informativo" (PDF). Canaries Government. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-06-05. Retrieved 2011-10-04.
  2. Carracedo, J. C. (Juan Carlos). The geology of the Canary Islands. Troll, V. R. Amsterdam, Netherlands. ISBN 978-0-12-809664-2. OCLC 951031503.
  3. Tim Hart (2004), La Gomera: A Guide, Colley Books, p. 37, ISBN 0-9547989-0-2
  4. "Los Roques". summitpost.org. Retrieved 2011-10-04.
  5. Documento Informativo, p. 51
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