Teguise is unique in Lanzarote. Its traditional architecture is reflected above all in the old town. The incredible volcanic landscape of the island contrasts with the white color of its houses. In Teguise there is no time to waste, discover with us what its streets and monuments hide. Do you want to know more?
The municipality of Teguise is the largest on the island of Lanzarote. The islets and rocks of the Chinijo Archipelago, La Graciosa, Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste or from Hell also belong to the municipality.
Its capital, La Villa de Teguise, is located just inland, and was the capital of Lanzarote from the beginning of the 15th century to the end of the 19th century, preserving its historical style, and for this reason it was declared a Historic-Artistic Site.
The southeastern part of the municipality, the town of Costa Teguise is considered one of the main and best tourist areas of Lanzarote and the Canary Islands.
On the other coast to the western North we find the town of Famara, with its impressive beach under the Risco de Famara. Spectacular image that will remain in your retina forever. From this beach and towards the interior of the island we find the sandy plain known as "El Jable".
It is enough to visit it to recognize why it has earned to be on the list of the most beautiful towns in Spain since 2020.
The pressure of piracy marked the history of the Canary Islands and the island of Lanzarote.
Pirates and corsairs came to the fore after the Spanish Conquest. There were many robberies and kidnappings of Canarian aborigines, to later be sold as slaves, but after the conquest, the presence of piracy became more evident in the "strategic" Canarian archipelago, since it became unprotected territory of the Spanish Empire. Christopher Columbus took the Canary Islands as a port of call for the ships that made the American route. The pirates were waiting for "the fleet of the Indies" that brought goods from the New World.
Along with greed and politics, religious motivation was another cause of many pirate actions, since many corsairs undertook a kind of crusade in the name of Calvinism in which they mercilessly attacked religious people, or failing that, against religious symbols. of Christianity as sculptures and cultural paintings or sacramental places.
In the town of Teguise we can find the Piracy Museum. Which is set inside the Castle of Santa Bárbara. This castle sits on top of the fortress built by Lancelotto Malocello at the beginning of the 14th century. Later, in 1591, it was modified by order of King Felipe II, adding some improvements such as the tower from which the sea could be seen and it was also fitted out as a refuge for the population and a prison for prisoners. Today it retains the same aspect of that reform that lasted 5 years.
In the 19th century and with the disappearance of pirate attacks, it totally lost its defensive usefulness.
The Villa de Teguise was founded as the capital of the island with Maciot de Béthencourt, a relative of the conqueror, and to whom he gave the government of the island. And it proudly bears the name of Maciot's wife, Princess Teguise, daughter of the last aboriginal king Guadarfía.
If there is a place to visit on Sunday mornings in Lanzarote, it is “la Villa”.
The old capital of the island, with wide cobbled streets, today they do not allow the transit of cars, it is market day. The town hides many stories among its streets, of conquest and pirate attacks.
A special mention regarding the importance of piracy in the town of Teguise, is that of the Callejón de la Sangre. Where, in September 1569, one of the most remembered pirate looting by the population was waged. The inhabitants defeated Calafat's men. But the amount of blood spilled was such that it served to give this street its name.
The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the tallest building in Villa de Teguise, XV century. It was attacked by pirates countless times, and has been rebuilt numerous times over time, the last one in 1914.
The whole town becomes a market, the atmosphere that is breathed in it is special, totally different from visiting it on a weekday. Totally recommended the visit on a normal day. We can find handmade items in Lanzarote with typical products of the island, such as handmade soaps, jewelry, leather work...
Around the Plaza de la Constitución you can find performances of typical island folklore and also a variety of entertainment from other cultures. Also known as "the square of the Lions" for the statues that surround it. Sundays from 9:00h to 14:00h. If you want to meet him at Canarian Transfer, you will soon have the opportunity to do it easily with us.
Nowadays from any point of the town you can admire the castle of Santa Bárbara at the top of the Guanapay mountain. Today the museum of piracy, which we have named previously (currently under construction)
It is an old convent founded in 1698 converted into a contemporary art gallery, it receives works by artists from all over the world. Keep the magnificent altarpiece of Our Lady of Grace and the one dedicated to the Rosary. Precisely, the Town Hall was built on the remains of the Dominican convent, of which only a few arcades and cisterns remain.
There are several crosses that we find in this town. They are not randomly chosen symbols, they are exactly fourteen crosses, and they correspond to the stations of the Christian Way of the Cross. Every May 3 they are adorned by the residents of the town with flowers.
This small but great instrument for the canaries, with a special sound, has also earned a museum in this town, the so-called Casa Museo del Timple.
It has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. The entrance door, the wooden ceiling and the baroque altarpiece with the sculpture of the titular saint stand out.
It houses an image of Christ, Portuguese style, highly venerated.
Today it is the headquarters of the Museum of Sacred Art. In 1618 a fire left only the current temple that divides its space into two naves. Among its baroque altarpieces, the one in the Main Chapel is of great interest.
Leisure in Teguise
This town offers many leisure options, especially on market day. As we have said, Sunday is the day of the Teguise Market in La Villa. On Sunday afternoons, live music floods its bars and people come from all over the island. Without a doubt, it is a different plan and a great atmosphere to enjoy both adults and children.
Other markets of interest in Lanzarote:
As a point of interest we would also like to mention that in addition to the Teguise Market, in Lanzarote there are also Markets in different locations on the island that are worth visiting for their quality and variety.
On Saturday mornings, in the Plaza de la Iglesia de San Ginés, part of Calle Real and part of Charco de San Ginés, is filled with artisanal and local products. Saturdays from 08:00h to 14:00h
2. Haria
In the Plaza de la Constitución in Haría, a traditional market takes place, where artistic painting and traditional and contemporary crafts stand out. Saturdays from 10:00h to 14:30h. You can learn more here
3. Playa Blanca
In the Marina Rubicón port, a beautiful craft market, soaps, Aloe Vera, leather goods, jewelry is organized every Wednesday and Saturday from 9:00h to 14:00h. You can book here
Cerrar Esta web utiliza cookies para obtener datos estadísticos de la navegación de sus usuarios. Si continúas navegando consideramos que aceptas su uso. Más información