César Manrique
Lanzarote's aesthetic godfather
It is no coincidence that Lanzarote’s stunning architecture and landscape are a harmonious interplay of aesthetics inspired by a lush desert oasis and the bohemian streets of a coastal town. Even though it is hard to imagine that a single man’s vision had such an enormous impact on how Lanzarote approaches tourism today, Cesar Manrique‘s presence can be felt, seen, and discovered at almost every corner of the island.
Long before buzzwords like “over tourism” and “responsible traveling” were on the front page of nearly every travel magazine cover page, the celebrated Canarian artist and architect – was concerned about tourism development devastating the culture and environment of his homeland Lanzarote.
César Manrique (1919-1992) was born on the shores of the Charco de San Ginés in Arrecife, Lanzarote and spent his early years in Arrecife. After venturing out to New York and spending some time with big creators in the art industry, Cesar Manrique returned to his native land in 1966 with a clear vision for the future of tourism in the Canary Islands. He foreshadowed today’s concerns about global overtourism and predicted that rampant development would fuel mass tourism. On the other hand, Manrique was convinced that passionate people with clear ethical principles hold the power to preserve this paradise.
César Manrique advocated for sustainability to safeguard the island’s natural and cultural heritage, which was eventually instrumental for UNESCO to declare Lanzarote a Biosphere Reserve in 1993. To this day, César is considered to be a leading point of reference for Lanzarote’s architecture and landscape design. Lanzarote’s building designs follow his guidelines and aesthetics. Lanzarote’s locals honor the artists’ vision and are devoted to keeping it alive. Even 30 years after his death his presence can be felt across the island and his art cannot be separated – his legacy lives in every nook and cranny of Lanzarote.
When following Cesar Manrique’s footsteps around the island the Cesar Manrique house museum should be first on your list. After crossing barren highlands, the road suddenly zigzags down into what can only be described as a desert oasis of towering palm trees, rich greenery, and whitewashed houses.
The ideal starting point is a sprawling Volcano House compound that was once Manrique’s home and is now a dedicated museum and resource center exploring the artist’s work. Starting with the lemon tree courtyard, through his bedroom and bathroom visitors can truly immerse themself in Manrique’s culture of sustainability. The true highlight is Manrique’s garden studio – a bright space splattered with paint and cluttered with paint pots, unfinished works, and other paraphernalia that reveal the inner workings of an artistic genius. Upon his return to Lanzarote, César Manrique moved his residence to his new, self-built home in Haria. There Manrique found the serenity and harmony with nature that he had always pursued.
Jameos del Agua is a place of true tranquillity and calmness. It is a place where nature and mankind come together. Every step is an experience – from the entrance covered by large green ferns where small birds sing, to an Auditorium, unique in the world due to its geological and acoustic features. At Jameos del Agua invites every detail is a constant suggestion to reflect, look inwards and daydream.
Jameos del Agua is a huge rugged sinkhole created by molten lava transformed into a mind-blowing subterranean upscale restaurant. The lava tunnel plunges into a gigantic cavern where an underground lake seems to glow from shafting sunlight. On the other side of the cave, back out in the open air, is a posh swimming pool under palm trees.
Stepping through the gates of Museo Lagomar, you will instantly be swept off your feet by the luxurious, extravagant surroundings. White walls carved into volcanic stones and opulent green plants will make you forget time – behind every corner, there is something new to discover. It is a place full of humorous history and stunning architecture.
Museo Lagomar is an extraordinary estate built into the heart of a volcanic quarry. Cesar Manrique had the vision to follow the irregular lava shapes, and remains of the excavation, leaving the rock visible on the inside, combining it with white walls and green planters creating this unique place.
It was conceived by Cesar Manrique and bought by the famous actor Omar Sharif. The legend goes that the Actor Omar Sharif who was at the time filming in Lanzarote “The Mysterious Island” visited the house, fell under its spell, and bought it. The developer then, knowing Omar’s worldwide reputation as a card player, challenged him to a game of bridge, in the course of which Omar lost the house, as he didn’t know that his opponent was the European bridge champion. Ever since that day, the owner of the house left and never returned. From this moment the house is known as “Casa Omar Sharif“.
Tucked away in the vast and dry landscape of Lanzarote where white houses line the horizon there is an oasis waiting for you. For his last project Cesar Manrique – celebrated architect of Lanzarote – lovingly turned an old quarry into a magical place where cacti flowers from all over the planet can bloom. Discover this inspiring place through the eyes of the artist – the lush green of the plants contrasts with the blue of the sky and the black of the volcano creates an unforgettable explosion of color.
Take a walk between tall trees and tiny succulents. The Cactus Garden invites you in to have a stroll around the estate and feast your eyes on the countless shades of green. Enjoy the stunning scenery on top of a small hill, which is home to one of the last millet mills still standing on the island.
All of this proves that Manrique turly managed to magnify the natural beauty of Lanzarote and accentuate unique natural elements like lava rocks, volcanic geology, the ocean, and the contrasting colors of the island.
