César Manrique, the artist, painter and sculptor who left a mark on the Canary Islands, here's what to see in Lanzarote for a stay of art and culture, as well as sea and fun.
The traces of the passage of the artistic genius of César Manrique they are what I think make it special Lanzarote compared to the others Canary Islands. Painter and sculptures rather than architect, he designs on the island some unique spaces in the world and has an urban plan approved that will protect it from the eco-monsters that unfortunately swarm in the others. So, what can I say, a tour of its architecture is a must!
Your tour cannot but start with the rental of a fantastic designer car Cabrera Medina. I recommend this car rental because, in addition to the folkloric Manriquian logo, if you have any problems, there are a lot of dealers all over the island, the assistance service is very organized, lastly, you can find on the car a cd that will be your guide in your car ride.
My tour starts from the airport by turning counterclockwise on the island. If you are very fast you could do it all in one day, but I would advise you to dedicate at least two days. We had time and not being fans of the holiday only sea and beach, we alternated visits to César with swimming on the beaches we met along the way.
César Manrique Foundation
How better to start the tour than by visiting his home and studio? At first glance, I fell in love with him!
Arriving at the foundation you can see a white enclosure wall that stands out against the characteristic vineyards cultivated on the black volcanic soil. Going beyond the gate marked CM opens a walk that leads to the entrance of the house. To the happiness of my boyfriend, even before entering the house I spent an hour taking pictures in every point! You will immediately notice how every detail is taken care of, at any point I turned I seemed to see the sets studied. The vases, the cacti and the vegetation in general, the sculptures, the walls, the lights, even the baskets, nothing is randomly placed and everything is designed by him. After I managed to disengage from the entrance, we entered the villa and from there other surprises. An entrance courtyard that is a small jewel, the interior spaces are very bright and set up with interesting works of art, but the real show is the underground rooms created by exploiting the chasms in the ground carved by the lava and water.
Through the stairs in the rock you descend into an unknown world: a string of sitting rooms illuminated by a zenith hole of light like so many miniature pantheons.
The surprises do not end there and follow one another passing from space to space.
Leaving the rooms in the rock, you come to an internal courtyard with a breathtaking swimming pool, after which, after passing through some rooms of the villa where you will see lava (obviously in a solid state) entering through a window, you will find yourself in a garden: needless to say, one of a kind.
At the end of the visit I was happy as a child and I was no longer in the skin: I wanted to visit everything!
Jardin de cactus
We went straight northeast to see the Jardin de cactus.
In this case I want to give you a little anticipation because what struck me most was the surprise effect that one has when crossing the external fence of the garden. So try not to look at any photos before your visit. It seems superfluous to say that the interior of the garden is a cactus paradise, so you will miss out on discovering how many species there can be! Here, too, have fun finding the details: notice the handles, the large hanging sculpture made up of many metal needles and glass spheres, the outdoor lamps, the baskets, the railings at the entrance, all designed to be themed with the place.
Jameos
This is the place par excellence where you can admire the erosion of lava and the role that water played in "fixing" these natural caves. You will descend to a cave with a natural swimming pool inside, you will meet a multi-level restaurant perched on the rock, you will go up to a swimming pool in the same style as the foundation and you will enter a fantastic auditorium with natural acoustics. If you are lucky in the evening you can attend some concerts, truly unmissable. On leaving there is an exhibition gallery. Always keep an eye on the handles!
Mirador del rio
Even the mirador del rio focuses on the surprise effect, upon arriving you can see a large wall of dry-laid stones. Once you have passed the entrance, you will have a view of the wonderful landscape of the island of La Graciosa. This is also a space to be explored: you can go out on the terrace, go up to the roof, relax at the restaurant, shop at the shop. My favorite detail of this space are the "non-chandeliers", sculptures hanging from the ceiling with the aim of refracting the sound so that it does not propagate .. other than acoustic panels!
Campesino Museum
After the mirador del rio you will have to reverse your route towards the southwest, before arriving at the Parque nacional de Timanfaya, a true naturalistic spectacle of the island, you will find this village dedicated to farmers. From a distance you will see a huge futuristic sculpture that is the true symbol of the place. The village is small, but waiting to be discovered. The white houses with green shutters and doors will make you feel in a special place.
Parque nacional de Timanfaya
Last but not least, the Parque nacional de Timanfaya, here is the nature to be the master, you will feel like you have landed on the moon! Of course, César couldn't help but leave his hand here too. You will find a restaurant that cooks meat using geothermal heat. The brazier from which the heat rises is the protagonist of the architecture. Positioned in the center of a circular space it is formed by the upward flap of the wedged floor, even in the restaurant the floor follows the same logic towards the central fulcrum: a sculpture that characterizes the entire interior. Seats, mirrors, lights, counter, blocks of lava used as sculptures, everything is integrated with the architecture.
I hope I have passed on to you my passion for César Manrique who transformed the face of the island by religiously respecting its nature.
