Roches gravées de Trois-Rivières, Archaeological site in Trois-Rivières, Guadeloupe.
The Roches Gravées de Trois-Rivières is an archaeological park near the centre of Trois-Rivières, Guadeloupe, covering one hectare and holding about twenty engraved rocks with more than 230 carvings and polishing stones. The carvings include cup marks and groove patterns, such as the figure in the photograph with two oval depressions and curved lines.
The first written records of these rock carvings date to 1848 when researcher F. Langin documented them. This early documentation led to further archaeological investigations throughout the region.
The name Trois-Rivières refers to the three rivers of the commune, and the carved sites lie near water sources. Research led by J. Monney since 2015 suggests the coastal carved sites were used by several different groups while obtaining water during inter-island journeys or periodic gatherings. The park has been managed by the Conseil général de la Guadeloupe since 1981.
Visiting is easiest in dry conditions when the carvings are most clearly visible. The site is freely accessible and offers guided tours when construction work is not taking place.
The park holds around twenty engraved rocks bearing more than 230 carvings, plus polishing stones, on a one-hectare site. It was created in 1975 after the site was listed as a monument historique by decree on 26 February 1974, and the Conseil général de la Guadeloupe has managed it since 1981.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,466 contributors worldwide.