Art & Nature Of Arrecife

Visit several attractions associated with Lanzarote’s most celebrated artist, who believed that architecture and art must be created in harmony with the natural environment. Although Arrecife-born artist César Manrique died in 1992, his influence is still prevalent as you will discover at the Cactus Garden. He transformed this former landfill into a landscape of fantastical art and thousands of exotic cacti. As a special treat, you will watch how cochineal insects are cultivated there to make a red dye for textiles, cosmetics and food. Manrique was also the visionary behind Jameos de Agua, a cultural center that he created in the lava tubes left after the eruption of La Corona volcano. Within this natural space, Manrique designed an auditorium, an aquatic habitat and a restaurant with a hardened black lava floor. You will see some of his artwork in the Castle of San Jose, an 18th-century fortress that has been converted into a museum of contemporary art.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Meander through a cactus garden that legendary local artist César Manrique created.
• Tour a cultural center that Manrique designed within a series of volcanic lava tubes.
• Behold Manrique’s art in an 18th-century castle that is now a contemporary art museum.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.