THE ARCHITECTURE OF LANZAROTE

The island’s architecture has been influenced by its climate. White predominates on the houses, working as a mirror to reflect the sun’s rays and preventing the temperatures in the interior from increasing too much.

The  sloped rooftop terraces and inclined patios are designed to collect the scarce rainwater for storage in stone water tanks. Flat roofs are adorned with typical decorations in the form of a hat or cupola. The green that predominates on doors and windows is explained by the fact that in the past the island’s fishermen used up the paint left over after painting their fishing boats. The traditional architecture also has a colonial touch.

Portuguese and Andalusian influences have given rise to a very singular architecture, for example the typical wooden balconies that hang from façades and interior patios, and the skylights that are typical of Teguise. The interiors of the houses tend to be very plain. The houses are usually decorated with ceramic and pottery pieces.

It is impossible to discuss Lanzarote’s architecture without mentioning the outstanding work of the island-born artist and decorator César Manrique. His influence and his work are the identity of the island.