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.
During the Moorish rule of the Iberian Peninsular back a few hundred years ago, much of Spain and therefore its colonies saw a change to its tangible heritage. Today, this period of north-African, Muslim rule is still evident in Lanzarote's architecture. Typical of the Moors, the island's buildings are mostly built with thick walls, low- flat roofs and hidden patios that are perhaps the Moors most prominent features.
Whilst the hidden patios are perhaps the houses' most endearing features, most of them belong to private houses. One fine example which can be viewed by the public, however, is the Palacio de Marques in Teguise. Dating back to 1455, not only is it home to this walled patio (which, like all these hidden courtyards were built with thick, dry-stoned walls to create cool and private household areas), it is also the oldest building on the island, making it well worth a trip.
For the best examples of the Spanish Colonial style, then the old capital of Teguise which is situated to the centre of the island. This town, which was once the home to the island's most important politicians and leaders, offers plenty of fine examples of Lanzarote's colonial architecture. The Palacio Spinola boasts intricately carved shutters, and inside the superior internal balcony still stands.
A typical traditional house in Lanzarote is only one storey high, and made from thick volcanic-rock walls which were painted to white to reflect the strong sun. The woodwork (e.g. the window frames and doors) were painted using left over paint from the fishing boats, which were usually blue or green, and all these help give Lanzarote's architecture a very distinctive style.
During the Moorish rule of the Iberian Peninsular back a few hundred years ago, much of Spain and therefore its colonies saw a change to its tangible heritage. Today, this period of north-African, Muslim rule is still evident in Lanzarote's architecture. Typical of the Moors, the island's buildings are mostly built with thick walls, low- flat roofs and hidden patios that are perhaps the Moors most prominent features.
Whilst the hidden patios are perhaps the houses' most endearing features, most of them belong to private houses. One fine example which can be viewed by the public, however, is the Palacio de Marques in Teguise. Dating back to 1455, not only is it home to this walled patio (which, like all these hidden courtyards were built with thick, dry-stoned walls to create cool and private household areas), it is also the oldest building on the island, making it well worth a trip.
For the best examples of the Spanish Colonial style, then the old capital of Teguise which is situated to the centre of the island. This town, which was once the home to the island's most important politicians and leaders, offers plenty of fine examples of Lanzarote's colonial architecture. The Palacio Spinola boasts intricately carved shutters, and inside the superior internal balcony still stands.
A typical traditional house in Lanzarote is only one storey high, and made from thick volcanic-rock walls which were painted to white to reflect the strong sun. The woodwork (e.g. the window frames and doors) were painted using left over paint from the fishing boats, which were usually blue or green, and all these help give Lanzarote's architecture a very distinctive style.
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