The Garoe
El Garoe tree, also called Arbol Santo, it is the most important symbol of the island, placed in the coat of arms of El Hierro. According to legend (Garoe and the Princess of Guarazoca) supported the Bimbaczów in their fight against the Spanish invaders, providing them with fresh, fresh water. To, which originally seemed like a miracle, obviously has a scientific explanation – due to trade winds, very dense clouds gather at a certain height, and the accumulated moisture in them condenses, among others, on the treetops. This was also the case with El Garoe – moisture condensed in the crown of the mighty tree, and the water ran down the trunk and collected in the rock tanks carved under the tree, from which the Bimbacz family drew their drinking water.
El Garoe was completely destroyed by hurricane in 1610 r. Currently, in the place of the mythical tree, there is a planted in 1949 r. lipa. Interestingly, water is still collecting in the wells and reservoirs surrounding the tree.
W pobliżu otwarto Garoe Tree Interpretation Center, where you can learn a bit more about the tree itself, about the phenomenon of horizontal rain, as well as buy books and souvenirs. You can also get a certificate of visit to the site at the center.
To travel to Garoe from Valverde, take the signs for San Andres, from where a 3.5-kilometer gravel road leads to the sacred tree.
The sacred tree and the princess of Guarazoca
There are many legends associated with Garoe, and the most famous is the "Almost Love Story."”. For a long time, the Spanish conquistadors were unable to defeat the inhabitants of El Hierro. The Bimbacz family bravely repelled the attacks of the Spaniards, even after the latter cut off the island's legitimate inhabitants from all sources of drinking water. The amazed conquistadors were unable to comprehend, how the Bimbaches manage to keep their strength and enthusiasm for battle, until the day, when Gonzalo de Espinosa met Princess Guarazoca on the beach. Within two days, the young princess fell in love with a handsome young man, who in no way resembled the brutal invaders known from the stories. When Gonzalo asked Guarazoka, that she would tell him the secret of her tribe, the princess led her beloved almost to the Garoe tree without hesitation. Just a few days later, Gonzalo along with a group of armed conquistadors surrounded the tree and conquered the last brave tribe of Bimbaczów. Disappointed Guarazoca, having understood the consequences of his act, pleaded guilty – but unfortunately, she did not understand her father, king of the Bimbaczów, who ordered his daughter to be executed. On the other hand, the Spaniards, to honor the memory of the girl, who lost her head in love, near the sacred tree, they founded the town of Guarazoca.