Lanzarote through the eyes of César Manrique
César Manrique
Architect, sculptor, painter, curator of monuments, planner of urban complexes, configurator of landscapes and gardens, in short, a multidisciplinary artist born in Lanzarote, faithful defender of the environmental values of the Canary Islands.
Manrique is capable of harmonising Art and Nature in an extraordinary way. The brushstrokes of his creativity flood every corner of the island, turning any panoramic view into a unique and unrepeatable work of art.
The Lanzarote-born artist immerses us in the grandeur and charms of the island through his works. Walk with us through Lanzarote and enjoy this wonderful legacy that César Manrique has left us in this Biosphere Reserve!
I propose a route through the unique places of Lanzarote from the eyes of the one who loved it most.
The Jameos del Agua
One of the clearest examples of harmony between art and nature.
It was the first Art, Culture and Tourism Centre created by César Manrique. The artist used part of the interior of the volcanic tunnel to create a natural auditorium of extraordinary beauty.
Next to Los Jameos del Agua is the geological museum La Casa de los Volcanes, one of the most important research centres in the world.
Cave of the Greens
This is a grotto with a mythological aura inside a volcanic tube in which a hundred or so points of interest for the island's cultural and natural heritage are concentrated.
The main geodynamic station of Lanzarote is located inside. Moreover, the adaptation of this natural sanctuary of volcanic origin was elaborated by César Manrique and Jesús Soto.
River Viewpoint
At the northern end of the island, the Famara massif is situated, our artist with the help of Eduardo Cáceres set up a wonderful viewpoint where you can observe the island of La Graciosa in all its splendour.
The viewpoint is made of stone and inside there are large windows to contemplate the panoramic view behind the glass or, if you prefer, from daring terraces that look out over the cliff like the prow of a ship.
Fun fact: what gave Mirador el Río its name?
This is because the river is the name by which the tongue of sea between Lanzarote and La Graciosa is known.
César Manrique House-Museum
An obligatory stop if you are an art lover and have visited any of César Manrique 's works on the island, you will surely be interested in seeing first-hand his workshop and the place where this artist lived. It is located in the village of Haría, in the north of the island of Lanzarote.
César Manrique began renovation work on this old farmhouse in 1986, which became his permanent home until 1992, the year of his death. A visit here is an encounter with the artist's most personal sphere.
Here you can appreciate not only the artist's way of life but also some of his most significant works. You can also appreciate the traditional lifestyle of the people of Lanzarote, as well as being able to appreciate the classic architecture of Lanzarote in all its splendour.
live a unique adventure?
Don't miss the Complete Private Lanzarote ExcursionExperience with entrance tickets
Get to know the main attractions that have made Lanzarote a world famous destination. We will travel through the North, South and Centre of Lanzarote in a combination of contrasts, caves and volcanoes that will take your breath away.
get to know the beautiful island with spectacular sights, amazing beaches and volcanic scenery with a warm climate all year round. are you going to miss the opportunity to get to know Lanzarote? Book your place for a complete tour of Lanzarote.
Cactus Garden
A garden created by César Manrique, the last work done by our artist on the island, so you can't miss it.
Located in an old quarry in the village of Guatiza, the garden has 4,500 specimens of 450 species from the five continents. It has more than 1,400 species of cactus.
You can see at a glance the respect for the natural environment of this architectural work integrating the landscape and elements of this botanical garden to enjoy the trails and the landscape of Lanzarote.
Timanfaya National Park
Formed by 25 active volcanoes distributed over an area of more than 50 km², an environment of wide biological variety was declared a Spanish National Park in 1974. A marvellous lunar-like landscape where César Manrique created the route of the volcanoes and the restaurant El diablo, on the islet Hilario, as well as the iconic figure of the devil found in the national park of Timanfaya.
You can do this route on our Volcano Trekking or on a private hiking tour in the Timanfaya National Park.
House-Museum of the Peasant
Come closer to the past
Inspired by the typical Lanzarote architecture, its 15-metre high Monument to Fertility, which defies the wind, attracts the gaze of everyone who passes by.
Inside the museum, visitors will discover the secrets of local craftsmanship, traditions and the way of life of the island's farmers.
The fertility monument is made up of different pieces of different fishing boats, stacked one on top of the other and resting on a platform of rocks.
César Manrique Foundation
We cannot think:
-As I have already seen the House Museum, I am not going to the Foundation.
The César Manrique Foundation in Tahiche is much more enriching and complete, offering that passage through the volcanic bubbles that make up this marvellous place. It was built on a lava flow in 1968, where César Manrique lived for years. Its aesthetics are inspired by traditional Lanzarote architecture. In the lower part, five volcanic bubbles were used to excavate tunnels and connect the house.
A wide variety of his works can also be seen in the museum.
Decorated with works of art by the artist and from his private collection, a tour of the rooms is the best way to get an insight into the artist's mind and talent.
This is not the end of our journey. Now it's up to you to continue it and continue discovering the corners of Lanzarote and find the famous "Juguetes del Viento" (Wind toys)of César Manrique on the island.
Please feel free to comment on these weather vanes found at strategic points on the island and if you have visited any of these places and what you thought of them.
And if you want to find more information about Lanzarote, we recommend the article about nudist beaches in Lanzarote Beyond love!
If you like to discover a place through the eyes of its protagonists, don't forget to visit Unamuno in Fuerteventura.
