Monumento Atis Tirma

Monumento Atis Tirma stands in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, tucked into the greenery of Parque Doramas, directly across from the Hotel Santa Catalina. It's easy to walk past on the way to Las Canteras beach, which would be a shame — the monument carries one of the most dramatic stories in Canary Islands history.

What does the monument show?

The bronze and stone composition, created by sculptor Manuel Bethencourt Santana and unveiled in 1981, captures four figures mid-leap. The scene recreates the legend of Tasarte and Bentejuí, leaders of Gran Canaria's indigenous population who, in 1483, found themselves surrounded by Spanish conquistadors atop the Fortaleza de Ansite in Santa Lucía de Tirajana. According to tradition, rather than surrender, they jumped from the cliff to their deaths, crying "Atis Tirma!" — "For you, our land!" Those words gave the monument its name and remain a symbol of resistance on the island to this day.

The Guanches, the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of the archipelago, left no written records of their own, so much of their history survives through oral tradition and later chroniclers' accounts. Even so, many Canarians today trace pride and identity back to their Guanche roots, and Atis Tirma is one of the most visible reminders of that heritage in the city's public space.

How do you get there?

The monument sits in Parque Doramas, one of the oldest and most valued parks in Las Palmas, in the Ciudad Jardín district. It's a walk of about fifteen minutes from the city center or from the Las Canteras beach area. City buses running along the district's main streets also stop nearby — get off close to Hotel Santa Catalina and cross into the park.

What will you see on site?

The monument itself is surrounded by mature trees and benches, making it a spot worth lingering at rather than just photographing quickly. Parque Doramas rewards a longer visit too, with buildings in the neo-Canarian architectural style and shaded pathways that contrast with the busier seafront promenade nearby. Access to the monument is free and available around the clock, though daylight hours show off the details of the bronze casting best.

When should you visit?

Morning or late afternoon are the best times for a walk through the park and a look at the monument, when temperatures on Gran Canaria are milder and the light falls more favorably on the bronze figures. During summer, it's worth avoiding the midday hours, since the island's heat can be intense regardless of the month.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the monument? No, access to Parque Doramas and the monument itself is completely free, at any time of day.

What does "Atis Tirma" mean? It's the cry attributed to Tasarte and Bentejuí at the moment of their deaths, translated as "For you, our land" — an expression of loyalty to their native island in the face of conquest.

How much time should I set aside for a visit? Viewing the monument itself takes just a few minutes, but a walk through the whole of Parque Doramas is worth stretching to 30–45 minutes.

Is the monument easy to find? Yes, it stands in a clearly visible spot opposite Hotel Santa Catalina, one of the most recognizable landmarks in this part of Las Palmas, which makes orientation straightforward.