Valverde history

Foundation and First Mentions

Valverde is a unique city serving as the capital of the island of El Hierro. Its history dates back to the late 15th century, following the conquest of the Canary Islands by the Castilian Crown. The settlement began to form around the first chapels and administrative buildings constructed by new settlers. Initially, the area attracted residents due to its natural resources, and the official status of a town (villa) was granted to the settlement later, cementing its leading role on the island within Spain.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of the city was defined by several strategic and geographical circumstances:

• Protection from Pirates: Valverde is the only capital in the Canary Islands not located on the coast, but rather inland at an altitude of about 600–700 metres. This location was chosen deliberately to hide the city from the eyes of sea raiders and corsairs who frequently attacked coastal settlements in the 16th and 17th centuries.
• Administrative Centre: The city quickly became the focus of the island's political and religious authority, housing the local government bodies (Cabildo) and the main parish.
• Water Resources: The city's name, meaning "Green Valley," indicates the presence of water sources and fertile lands, which was critically important for survival on an isolated island.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Valverde was based on subsistence farming. Residents engaged in agriculture and livestock breeding, using pastures on the surrounding hills. The city served as the main marketplace for farmers from all over the island.

Culturally, Valverde became a "melting pot" where the traditions of the indigenous population (Bimbache) mixed with the customs of settlers from Castile and Andalusia. This is reflected in the traditional architecture: simple whitewashed houses with tiled roofs and wooden elements still form the historical appearance of the city.

Key Dates in the City's History

• 1405: The Norman conqueror Jean de Béthencourt finally subdues the island, opening the era of European presence.
• Late 15th Century: Valverde is founded and begins to develop around the first administrative and religious structures inland.
• 1553: The island is attacked by French corsairs, confirming the strategic importance of the capital's location away from the sea.
• 1767: A major reconstruction of the Church of Santa María de la Concepción begins, giving it its current Baroque appearance.
• 1812: Following the adoption of the Cadiz Constitution, the settlement receives official municipality status.
• 1899: A devastating fire destroys the city council building and historical archives, forever erasing part of the documentary history.
• 1912: The Law of Cabildos secures the city's status as the administrative centre of the island of El Hierro within Spain.
• 1972: An airport opens a few kilometres from the city, ensuring reliable connections with the archipelago and the mainland.
• 2000: Valverde, along with the entire island, receives the status of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• 2014: The city becomes part of the UNESCO Global Geopark network, attracting geology enthusiasts and eco-tourists.

Stages of Development and Their Significance

The evolution of Valverde is a journey from a hidden refuge for early settlers to a modern centre of sustainable development. Here are the key transformations that shaped the unique character and economy of the city:

• Strategic Urbanisation Inland

  Unlike most island capitals, the city developed not by the sea, but in the mountains. This urban planning decision, made for protection against pirates, formed a unique settlement structure with steep streets and terraced gardens that has been preserved to this day.

• Architectural Consolidation around the Temple (18th Century)

  The reconstruction of the Church of Santa María de la Concepción was a turning point in the city's layout. The temple set the vector for the development of central squares and streets, transforming the settlement from scattered farms into an orderly administrative centre with a distinct "old town".

• Infrastructure Breakthrough and Global Connection (1972)

  The opening of the airport in close proximity to the city radically changed the economy. This event ended centuries of isolation, ensuring regular communication with mainland Spain and other islands, which kickstarted the development of the tourism sector.

• Energy Revolution (21st Century)

  The launch of the innovative hydro-wind power station "Gorona del Viento" made the region a global leader in renewable energy. For the city, this meant not only energy independence but also an influx of investment and the creation of new jobs in the technology sector.

• Change of Economic Paradigm (2000s)

  The designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve reoriented the economy from traditional agriculture to eco-tourism. This stimulated the restoration of historic buildings into guest houses and the development of the service sector, while maintaining the authenticity of the urban environment.

Urban Features and Layout

The architectural appearance of Valverde was shaped by its unique geographical position. Unlike most Canarian capitals, the city is situated not on the coast, but on a mountain slope at an altitude of about 600 metres. This historical decision, dictated by the need for protection against pirate raids, determined a complex layout with steep, winding streets. The development is characterised by low density: white houses are often surrounded by gardens and small vegetable plots, allowing the city to blend organically into the green landscape.

Architectural Styles and Eras

There are no pompous palaces or massive modern complexes in the city; instead, a cosy and restrained aesthetic prevails, characteristic of the rural settlements of the Canary Archipelago.

• Traditional Canarian Style (Vernacular Architecture): The dominant style in the historic centre. These are simple, functional buildings with thick stone walls whitewashed with lime, and gable roofs covered with Arabic tiles. An important element is the wooden balconies, doors, and shutters made from durable Canary Island pine.
• Canarian Baroque and Classicism (18th Century): These trends are most clearly manifested in religious structures. The style is distinguished by strict lines and the use of dark volcanic stone to frame portals and building corners, creating a contrast with white walls typical for Spain of that period.
• Regionalism (Early 20th Century): Administrative buildings restored or built during this period often imitate elements of traditional residential architecture, emphasising local identity.

Iconic Buildings Shaping the City's Look

The architectural landmarks of Valverde are few, but each plays an important role in preserving historical memory:

• Church of Santa María de la Concepción (Iglesia de Santa María de la Concepción): The main temple of the city, erected in the 18th century. The building is an example of Canarian Baroque with elements of Classicism. The facade is decorated with stonework, and the bell tower serves as a main landmark for residents. Inside, a valuable wooden coffered ceiling in the Mudéjar style has been preserved.
• City Hall (Ayuntamiento): Built in the first half of the 20th century (in the 1930s) based on the design of architect Antonio Pintor, the building is a vivid example of Canarian traditionalism. Its architecture, with characteristic wooden elements and a tiled roof, harmonises with the residential surroundings.
• Casa de Las Quinteras: A restored historic mansion, now serving as an ethnographic centre. It is a benchmark of the island's traditional residential architecture with an inner courtyard, stone walls, and utility annexes, demonstrating the lifestyle of past centuries.

Distinguished Personalities

The history and culture of Valverde are inextricably linked with the names of people who brought fame to this city and the island of El Hierro far beyond the archipelago. Among them are conquerors, keepers of history, and artists.

• Jean de Béthencourt

  Norman conqueror and ruler (15th Century)
  Although Béthencourt was not a native of the city, he is a key figure in its history. It was under his leadership that the European settlement of the island began, along with the formation of the first administrative structures that eventually led to the establishment of Valverde as the capital. His activities initiated the integration of the island into the cultural and political space that later became modern Spain.

• Dacio V. Darias y Padrón

  Historian, archaeologist, and geographer (1880–1960)
  A native of Valverde who became one of the most authoritative researchers of the Canary Islands' past. He held the position of honorary member of the Royal Academy of History. His works helped preserve unique data on the culture of the indigenous Bimbache people and the colonial period of the city's development.

• María Mérida Pérez

  Singer, "The Voice of the Canary Islands" (1925–2022)
  A legendary performer of folk music born in Valverde. She became the first Canarian woman to achieve international recognition on stage. María Mérida dedicated her life to popularising the musical heritage of her native island, performing at the world's best venues, but always emphasising her connection to the "Green Valley".

• José Padrón Machín

  Journalist and official chronicler (1905–1996)
  An outstanding publicist born in the island's capital. For decades, he scrupulously documented daily life, traditions, and important events in Valverde. Thanks to his articles and books, many oral traditions and details of the islanders' life in the 20th century have survived to this day.

• Tomás Padrón Hernández

  Engineer and politician (born 1945)
  Long-time president of the Island Council (Cabildo), who worked in Valverde. He was the ideological inspirer and implementer of the "Gorona del Viento" project — a unique hydro-wind power station. His efforts turned the island into a global benchmark for sustainable development and energy independence.