Cesar Manrique

Cesar Manrique: If you have not heard the name, you have not been to Lanzarote.

Whether it is the gaudy abstract paintings which adorn the walls of your rented apartment or it is the impressive mobiles which are placed at strategic points along the islands road network, you will see examples of his art everywhere.

He is credited with preventing the over-development of the island by objecting to the high-rise developments which have spoilt the character of many other holiday islands.

Surprisingly, Lanzarote has preserved a great deal of its character, and the visitor feels involved in the celebration of festivals on the island, rather than believing that the locals are "putting on a show".

Whether Manrique is responsible for this is open to debate, but what is not in doubt is the beauty of the impressive homes which he has created in the naturally ocurring lava bubbles. Places which will be remembered by all who have seen them are LagOmar, Jameus del Agua and not least Cesar Manrique House.

Submitted by : John Hayton