César Manrique – Lanzarote´s Favourite Son
April 15, 2010 by Nick Ball
Filed under Destinations
Many holidaymakers to the island of Lanzarote are often pleasantly surprised by the range of attractions that this small volcanic outcrop has. Apart from unspoiled landscapes and charming rural villages, there are also seven centres of art and culture that are worth a visit.
These sites are the result of one man’s vision for the development of the island, the late artist César Manrique. A multi-disciplined designer, his talents covered architecture, painting, sculpture, landscape design and much more. Born on Lanzarote in 1919, he was to have one of the most profound influences on the way the island is, even today.
His highly individual output includes the one of the most amazing houses to be found anywhere in the world. The Taro de Tahiche is his former home, created out of five linked volcanic bubbles underground. Such is the impact this construction has had that much of the property in Lanzarote that has been built since has borrowed ideas from his original design.
Not least, many of the properties available to rent for holidays have incorporated such elements. For instance, several of the villas in Puerto del Carmen have lagoon style swimming pools or internal gardens formed with volcanic stone.
Aside from his home, Manrique’s influence can be seen at each of the seven tourist attractions, which focus on one or more aspects of the island’s history. The Monumento al Campesino for example is a farm museum that pays tribute to the endeavours of locals to survive in such a harsh environment.
The volcano park at Timanfaya similarly illustrates the hardships that former residents endured. Built on the site of the longest running eruptions between 1730-36, the park is now the most popular of Lanzarote’s centres. Here, visitors can see just how hot the earth remains just below the surface, with food cooked on a giant barbecue that hovers over a fissure in the ground.
And despite the fact that Manrique’s creations all date back to the 1970’s and 80’s they are immaculately presented and still have the capacity to charm and surprise visitors. So much so, that many holidaymakers can’t resist coming back to the island for a second or third visit.
This may also have something to do with the incredible climate the island enjoys and the fact that Lanzarote flights are only four hours long from all the major UK airports.
