Orotava Valley facts for kids
The Orotava Valley (which is Valle de la Orotava in Spanish) is a beautiful area on the northern side of Tenerife. Tenerife is one of the Canary Islands, which belong to Spain. This valley is about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) long and 11 km wide. It stretches from the coast all the way up to about 2,000 meters high. This high part is near the northern base of Pico del Teide, a famous volcano.
What is the Orotava Valley?
The Orotava Valley has steep sides on its west and east. These are called the Ladera de Tigaiga and the Ladera de Santa Ursula. This valley was formed a very long time ago, about 560,000 years ago, by a huge landslide.
The valley gets its name from La Orotava, which is the biggest town there. Other towns in the valley include Los Realejos and Puerto de la Cruz.
History of the Valley
Before the Spanish arrived in 1496, the native people of Tenerife were called the Guanches. They knew this valley as Taoro.
The Spanish conquest of Tenerife ended right here in the Orotava Valley. On July 25, 1496, a peace agreement was signed. This was called the Treaty of Los Realejos. It was signed between the leader (called a mencey) of Taoro and Alonso Fernández de Lugo, the Spanish conqueror.
To celebrate the end of the fighting, the first Christian church was built in the valley. It was named Parroquia Matriz del Apóstol Santiago, honoring Saint James, who is the patron saint of Spain.
See also
- For more information in Spanish, you can visit: Valle de La Orotava para niños
Images for kids
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Orotava Valley, view towards Pico de Teide
