Arucas Travel Guide
Located in Las Palmas Province, Arucas is an agricultural town covered with valleys, mountains, and seaside farmlands. From a seemingly unimportant town, the municipality experienced an economic boom in the 19th century following the high demand on its cochnillia or red beetle that is used in making red dyes. The town today is known for its rum factory, which has been producing rum long before Cuba became famous for it.
Architectural landmark
The municipality's leading social and architectural monument is the Church of San Juan Bautista, which was constructed in 1909 by local masons using Arucas stone. The church is considered as one of the country's finest structures as it has carved column heads and stone columns, as well as stained glass windows and sculptures created by some of the country's most-renowned artists such as Cristobal Hernandez de Quintana and Manuel Ramos.
North of the church is Montana de Arucas, where a local hero, Doramas the Guanche, was martyred during the Battle of Arucas. The town also has its own botanical garden, the Jardin de la Marquesa de Arucas, which is home to over 500 plant species.
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