The Archaeological Site of La Pared de Jandía is located at the isthmus connecting the Jandía Peninsula to the rest of Fuerteventura, within the municipality of Pájara. This unique site comprises a stone wall that, according to historical references, stretched from north to south across the island for 6 km, transitioning from the windward to leeward coast through the Jandía Isthmus, alongside around 40 structures either attached to the wall or nearby.
Historical References of the Wall
First Mentions in the 15th Century
The earliest historical references to this site date back to the 15th century, notably in the French chronicle of the conquest, Le Canarien, which mentioned the existence of a large and imposing wall traversing the island:
“The island of Erbania, known as Fuerteventura, contains 24 French leagues in length and 7 in width, and at one point is only one league wide. There is a great and broad wall that spans the entire country, from one sea to the other” (Le Canarien, 1980:65).
Another description followed, stating, “At a certain point, it does not span more than one league from sea to sea. That region is sandy, and there is a great stone wall that crosses the entire country, from one shore to another” (Le Canarien, 1980:167).
Further Historical Residences
In the 17th century, the archaeological site was documented in maps by Yñigo de Brizuela and later appeared in Francisco Coello’s 19th-century maps, under the name of La Pared, illustrated as extending across the island. Marcial Velázquez’s 1849 cartography also identified this archaeological site by the same name.
The Toponym of La Pared
The toponym of La Pared Bay is also featured in 18th-century maps by José Varela y Ulloa and Vicente Tofiño de San Miguel, confirming its longstanding significance. Recorded agreements from the 18th century, such as deed nº 477 of the Cabildo agreements, mentioned the presence of La Pared, indicating its historical relevance.
Two Kingdoms of Historic Significance
In the 18th century, traveler René Verneau noted that the great wall marked the division between the ancient kingdoms of Majorata and Jandía. The existence of this wall was critical for protecting the realms from adversarial incursions, reflecting the historical rivalries that persisted over centuries.
A Key Archaeological Site
La Pared is one of the most significant archaeological sites in pre-European Fuerteventura. It is also the largest in terms of area and the number of structures associated with it. Given the complexity of the site, scholars typically differentiate between the wall’s structure and the various associated constructions.
The Structure of La Pared de Jandía
The wall itself is located in the northwest of the Jandía Peninsula, close to the coastline at an elevation of about 50 meters above sea level. Traces of the wall remain in short segments that terminate at a location known as Montaña de Pasa Si Puedes. Historically, the wall branched into two directions, one following the coastline of Laja Blanca and the other stemming from between two points along the shore.
The Extension and Condition of the Wall
According to records, La Pared continued parallel to a barbed wire fence erected by a German settler named Gustav Winter Klingele. Today, the wall can hardly exceed 80 cm in height and measures between 1 to 1.5 meters wide. Over time, the structure has faced significant deterioration due to urban development. Road construction leading to Morro Jable has also destroyed various sections of the wall.
Imprint of Humanity and Historical Deterioration
The degradation of La Pared has increased with contemporary human activities. The stones that constituted the wall were repurposed for newer construction projects, further erasing the remnants of this important cultural heritage. Reports indicate that sections of the wall were lost entirely due to the iron fencing surrounding Winter’s estate, which altered the landscape considerably.
Gustav Winter and His Selected Boundaries
The installation of the fence was primarily motivated by livestock management concerns. It served as a demarcation line between the Jandía Peninsula and other regions, largely to protect their animals from straying. Stories from the Winter family reveal that this boundary was fortified to prevent livestock from intermingling, specifically keeping their Karakul breed safe from crossbreeding.
Thus, La Pared remains an invaluable link to the past, standing as a testament to the rich historical tapestry of Fuerteventura and the enduring human impact on its landscape.
Source: Gobierno de Canarias
