Montaña de Tindaya facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tindaya |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 401 m (1,316 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Fuerteventura |
The Montaña de Tindaya is a special mountain on Fuerteventura. This island is part of the Canary Islands, which are in the Atlantic Ocean near Africa. People who lived on the island long ago, before Europeans arrived, thought this mountain was a very holy place. That's why it's still known today as the Sacred Mountain (Spanish: Montaña Sagrada).
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A Special Mountain
Montaña de Tindaya stands out in the landscape of Fuerteventura. It is not the tallest mountain, but its shape and location made it important. For the ancient people of Fuerteventura, called the Mahos, Tindaya was more than just a mountain. They believed it had spiritual power.
Ancient Beliefs and Markings
The Mahos people left many signs of their beliefs on Tindaya. You can find hundreds of carvings on the rocks, especially on the top of the mountain. These carvings look like human feet. Scientists believe these foot carvings, called podomorphs, were part of religious ceremonies. They might have been used to ask for good harvests or to connect with their gods. These carvings show how important Tindaya was to their culture and way of life.
The Monument to Tolerance Project
For many years, there was a plan to build a huge artwork inside Montaña de Tindaya. This project was called the Monument to Tolerance. A famous Spanish artist named Eduardo Chillida (1924–2002) designed it.
What Was the Plan?
Chillida's idea was to dig a very large, artificial cave inside the mountain. This cave would be like a giant room open to the sky. The artist wanted it to be a place where people could feel peace and think about tolerance. It was meant to be a symbol of understanding and acceptance among different people.
Why People Objected
Even though the idea sounded grand, many people were against the project. Local environmental groups were especially worried. They believed that digging a huge cave would damage the mountain. They were concerned about:
- The natural beauty of Tindaya.
- The special plants and animals living there.
- The ancient carvings and their historical importance.
They argued that the mountain should be protected as it is. They felt it was already a monument because of its natural beauty and sacred history.
Project Status
Because of these concerns and other issues, the construction work for the Monument to Tolerance never started. As of 2019, the project was still on hold. The debate about how to balance art, nature, and history continues.
See also
In Spanish: Montaña de Tindaya para niños
