architecture
“Our ancestors were really very poor, with little resources, but they produced a building style that was truly original, simple….but beautiful” CM.

The domestic architecture of Lanzarote is one of the most individual of all the islands. The building style evolved due to the characteristics of the islands climate. Light, wind, sun and lack of rainfall all needed to be taken into consideration. The shape of the roofs and the areas of concrete-covered slopes were needed for gathering precious rain, and the houses were painted white as protection from the sun.

César Manrique has produced a meticulously detailed account of the traditional architectural designs, with balconies, chimneys, ovens, patios etc portrayed through sketches and photography in his beautiful book “Lanzarote arquitectura inédita” published in 1974.