A journey through Lanzarote’s CACT centres to let your imagination run free

03-04-2020-cact-mirador

At a time when the streets are empty, businesses are closed and the whole of Lanzarote’s population remains sheltered in their houses to help speed up the flattening of the coronavirus curve, we would like to offer you an audiovisual tour of the Lanzarote Cabildo’s Centres of Art, Culture and Tourism (CACT). Whilst it’s not the same as experiencing every nook and cranny in person, it does give a wonderful idea of the scale and splendour of the spaces created by our very own ubiquitous artist, César Manrique.

Are you ready? Well, here we go. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

1- JAMEOS DEL AGUA

Our first stop is Jameos del Agua, in the north of the island. Jameos del Agua was the first centre created by César Manrique, a unique figure who you will learn more about as we explore the incredible legacy that he left to the people of Lanzarote.

Jameos del Agua, like the Cueva de los Verdes, is located inside the volcanic tunnel produced by the eruption of the Volcán de la Corona volcano. Known as the Atlántida tunnel, it stretches for 6 km down to the coast and runs at least 1.5 km run under water. One of its natural rock pools is located in Jameos del Agua and is home to a unique species of albino blind crab called a ‘jameito’.

2- CUEVA DE LOS VERDES

Once upon a time this series of caves was where islanders took refuge from attacks by Berber pirates. The Lanzarote Cabildo (Island Council) commissioned artist Jesus Soto to wave his creative wand and recondition the caves for a visiting public. Soto’s creative artistry came to be associated with Manrique’s as they teamed up on various projects together to create unique spaces on the island.

The caves, located in the municipality of Haría, are an invaluable geological treasure trove with impressive lava stalactites and you can even see the lines that indicate the levels of the lava that once flowed through.

The caves also house what has to be one of the most unique natural concert halls in the world and also has other curiosities like the ‘The Aesthetes’ room (sala de las estetas), ‘Death’s throat’ (la garganta de la muerte) and the Moors’ Gate (la puerta mora.) Exciting, isn’t it?

3- MIRADOR DEL RÍO VIEWPOINT

Also in Haría, standing at an altitude of 400 metres atop the imposing Famara Cliff, is the Mirador del Río, one of Manrique’s most iconic architectural creations. The artistic and architectural details perfectly embody his aesthetic of integrating art and nature together in one space.

4- CACTUS GARDEN

Located in the town of Guatiza, the Cactus Garden is one of César Manrique’s last creations and is considered one of the most impressive botanical gardens in the world. What was once an old quarry is now home to more than 4,500 cacti, boasting 18 different species from all corners of the world. Visitors can also try the famous cactus burger served in the café.

 

After visiting the main tourist centres in the north of the island, let’s continue our journey heading south this time, but not before we make a detour to enjoy some delicious local cuisine and learn about the island’s traditional crafts.

5- FARM WORKER’S HOUSE – MUSEUM

Right in the geographical heart of Lanzarote in the municipal district of San Bartolomé, stands the La Casa-Museo del Campesino which invites visitors to discover what it was like to live and work in the Lanzarote of yesteryear. You can experience first-hand the architecture, agriculture, crafts and traditional cuisine. In the local market you can roll up your sleeves and take part in workshops to learn all about traditional crafts or you can tuck into some tasty dishes typical of Canarian cuisine.

The visit rounds off with a closer look at the Monument to Fertility (Monumento a la Fecundidad), an avant-garde sculpture which represents César Manrique’s personal homage to the island’s farmers, labourers and fishermen.

6- FIRE MOUNTAINS

Timanfaya National Park is where you’ll find the Fire Mountains which emerged during the series of violent volcanic eruptions that hit southern Lanzarote between 1730 and 1736.  Visitors never fail to gasp in awe at the incredible lunar landscape as they are taken on a tour through petrified lava flows and impressive volcanic craters that look truly out of this world.

We hope that this little tour through the Centres of Art, Culture and Tourism of Lanzarote will help you to keep travelling, albeit from home, and trust that we will once more get to experience wonderful places that feed our soul. Take care! And, of course, #stayhome