La Gomera Island
La Gomera is one of the smallest of the Canary Islands located in the Atlantic Ocean. Its area is 370 sq. km. There are no industrial enterprises on the island; its nature is pristine. In 2011, UNESCO declared the island a biosphere reserve.
Description
A distinctive feature of the island of La Gomera is the absence of volcanoes. On the Garajonay mountain range, which occupies the central part, a National Park was opened in 1981. Unique laurel forests grow in the mountains, some trees are several hundred years old. Laurel forests grew throughout the tropical zone millions of years ago. Now they are preserved only on the amazing island.
In the southern part of La Gomera, the La Caldera Natural Park has been opened, formed as a result of the latest volcanic outbursts. The climate of the island is very mild, but varies significantly: in the northern part, suitable for agriculture, it often rains, while the southern part, due to the influence of trade winds, is drier. On the island they grow grapes, tomatoes, bananas, extract palm honey and even make alcoholic drinks from it.
There are not many beaches on the island, but they are unique in their own way. Some of them are covered with unusual soft black sand. Beach lovers can simply sunbathe and swim in the clear water, or go surfing, which is popular here. The main city is San Sebastian. It is a quiet and calm city with a measured way of life.
History
Initially, La Gomera was inhabited by Guanche tribes. The first mentions of the island were found in the ancient chronicles of Ptolemy. In the 15th century the Spaniards arrived here. The indigenous people opposed their aggressive settlement, but gradually the aborigines completely submitted.
Since 1445, the Peraza family ruled the island, oppressing the local population. Uprisings broke out repeatedly and were brutally suppressed. In 1492, the great navigator H. Columbus stopped on the island before his long journey to America. In the 16th century the island was often a victim of attacks by English and Dutch privateers (a legalized form of piracy). But the most terrible raid was carried out by the Berbers in 1618. In the 19th century. La Gomera officially became part of the possessions of the Spanish Crown.
Historical sights
An invaluable historical monument is the defensive tower of La Torre Del Conde, made in the Gothic style. It was built in the 15th century. in the city of San Sebastian. This is the oldest fortification preserved in the Canary archipelago since the beginning of the Spanish conquest. One of the urban legends says that the wife of the murdered governor once hid in the tower from the rebels. She herself was the cause of the rebellion when she began to introduce cruel orders. They claim that the woman even had a short-term affair with visiting Columbus.
No less interesting is the Iglesia de la Virgen de la Asuncion temple. It was in it that Columbus was supposed to offer a prayer before his famous voyage. The architecture of the church combines elements of Gothic, Baroque and Mudejar. Inside the temple there is a vivid scene of the city being defended from English pirates.
The town of Agulo is home to countless craft shops. The city is interesting for its colonial architecture.
From the De Abrante observation deck you can clearly see the entire area, and you can even see the Teide volcano, towering over the island of Tenerife.
One of the main unique features of the island of La Gomera is the “Gomeran whistle”. With the help of this “language” the shepherds communicated with each other over long distances. The special drawl of words is reminiscent of a whistle that can be heard far away. Schools on the island even teach this whistle specifically.
In the twentieth century. Highways and a local airport were built on La Gomera. Communication with other islands is carried out using ferries. Recently, tourism has begun to occupy an increasingly significant part of the island's budget. But so far two thirds of tourists visit the island for only one day.
