The Canary Island of Lanzarote which is located just off the north-west coast of Africa has maintained a very distinctive architectural style. Although not quite as iconic as its motherland, Spain, this small island still clearly displays evidence of its colonial past through its mostly unspoilt buildings.
From the 8th Century, Spain was under the Moorish rule that dominated the Iberian Peninsular. During this period of Muslim occupation, Spain's and therefore also Lanzarote's architecture was heavily influenced by these north-African and Arabic rulers. Still giving the island's distinctive style today are the Moors' thick walled and low, flat-roofed buildings, with many hiding the typical Moorish feature of a secret, tiled patio.
Many of these hidden patios are not able to be seen by the public as they belong to private houses, but one public example which tourists can visit is the Palacio de Marques in Teguise. The building not only offers a fine example of these patios, but dating back from 1455, is also the oldest building on the island. These patios were hidden behind thick, stone walls which were designed to keep the area cool as well as intimate.
The old capital of Teguise is also one of the island's most prolific towns in which to find Spanish Colonial architecture. As the old capital, this town was of course once home to the island's most important men and women, so a walk around this town ensures many examples of a wealthy, colonial style. One specific building worth a mention is the Palacio Spinola, with its intricately carved shutters and superior interior balcony.
The typical style of traditional Lanzarote house is rather simple; just one storey high, and with walls made from local, thick volcanic rock which have been white-washed to reflect the strong rays of the hot sun. The window frames and doors are painted blue or green, which is a traditional that dates back when left-over boat paint was used. All these features help give Lanzarote its strong and pleasant architectural identity.
From the 8th Century, Spain was under the Moorish rule that dominated the Iberian Peninsular. During this period of Muslim occupation, Spain's and therefore also Lanzarote's architecture was heavily influenced by these north-African and Arabic rulers. Still giving the island's distinctive style today are the Moors' thick walled and low, flat-roofed buildings, with many hiding the typical Moorish feature of a secret, tiled patio.
Many of these hidden patios are not able to be seen by the public as they belong to private houses, but one public example which tourists can visit is the Palacio de Marques in Teguise. The building not only offers a fine example of these patios, but dating back from 1455, is also the oldest building on the island. These patios were hidden behind thick, stone walls which were designed to keep the area cool as well as intimate.
The old capital of Teguise is also one of the island's most prolific towns in which to find Spanish Colonial architecture. As the old capital, this town was of course once home to the island's most important men and women, so a walk around this town ensures many examples of a wealthy, colonial style. One specific building worth a mention is the Palacio Spinola, with its intricately carved shutters and superior interior balcony.
The typical style of traditional Lanzarote house is rather simple; just one storey high, and with walls made from local, thick volcanic rock which have been white-washed to reflect the strong rays of the hot sun. The window frames and doors are painted blue or green, which is a traditional that dates back when left-over boat paint was used. All these features help give Lanzarote its strong and pleasant architectural identity.
