Many first time visitors to the island are blown away by the many creations of César Manrique. Who had a hand in the development of most of the island’s main tourist attractions – along with many other projects besides.
After flitting between New York and Lanzarote throughout the 1960´s Manrique returned to the island for good in 1968. And found Lanzarote at something of a crossroads. As tourist development was starting to take off – potentially threatening the island’s delicate volcanic eco structure and terrain. “I am a little apprehensive about the avalanche of tourists which is approaching Lanzarote”, Manrique stated as early as 1965.
At the same time Manrique was aware that tourism was vital to the ongoing economic development of the island. And that Lanzarote´s unique landscapes could be harnessed in an environmentally friendly fashion to generate much needed income. Resulting in the creation of seven key sights which along with the Cuevas de Los Verdes remain the cornerstone of the island’s tourist industry today.
Jameos del Agua (1966)
This lava tunnel was being used to dump rubbish before Manrique and his co-collaborators such as the engineer Jesus Soto got their hands on it. Transforming this huge empty lava tunnel – renamed the Jameos del Agua – into an underground auditorium, nightclub and concert venue.
Taro de Tahiche (1968)
Now home to the César Manrique Foundation the Taro de Tahiche was constructed by Manrique in 1968 as both a home and working studio. And was built over five bubbles in the surrounding lava flow.
Monumento al Campesino (1968)
Manrique created the eye catching sculpture Fecundity at the Monumento al Campesino. Whilst also designing the adjacent buildings which now play home to the Museo del Campesino. Providing a fascinating insight into Lanzarote´s pastoral past.
Timanfaya National Park (1970)
Up until the end of the 1960´s visitors to Lanzarote´s volcanic region – now known as the Timanfaya National Park – were welcomed in rather rudimentary fashion. They’d be served a glass of wine and some sardines roasted over a small hole in the ground. Without any clear or discernible route through the key areas of the volcanic region.
Manrique changed all that, designing the El Diablo restaurant which today sits atop the Hilario Islet in the centre of the park. As well as discerning the optimum route through the park itself. Which visitors today tour on expertly driven coaches.
Manrique´s aim was two fold – by improving facilities here he sought to ‘dignify’ the park, whilst also helping it to attract many more visitors and generate revenue. It was officially a designated a National Park in 1974. And remains Lanzarote´s most popular tourist attraction to this day.
Mirador Del Rio (1973)
The Mirador del Rio first started life as a naval gun battery. Sited atop the Famara massif range of cliffs overlooking the Rio Straits during the late 19th century. As Spain entered into the disastrous conflict with the US which resulted in the loss of numerous former colonies such as the Philippines.
MIAC (1976)
Manrique was an instrumental mover in the restoration of the Castillo San Jose on the outskirts of Arrecife and its subsequent inauguration as the Museum of International and Contemporary Art in 1976.
Cactus Garden (1990)
In close collaboration with the eminent botanist Estanislao Gonzales Ferrer Manrique created the Jardin de Cactus. Which is today home to one of the most impressive collections of the plant world’s spikiest species in the world. Sensitively located in what used to be the heart of Lanzarote´s cactus country. Where local farmers cultivated and harvested the cochineal beetle. Crushing it and processing it into a natural dye stuff what was used to dye the red coast of English soldiers – along with many other uses.
The prolific Manrique also had a hand in many other, less well known projects on Lanzarote. Find out more here. As well as the many giant wind toys that adorn the islands roundabouts. Whilst even finding time to undertake many other projects both on the Spanish mainland and other Canary Islands.
