The Teatro Municipal offers a striking introduction to Teguise’s architectural history: in 1825, it was converted into a venue for the dramatic arts; today, it is the oldest surviving theatre in the province of Las Palmas. In the historic centre, cobbled streets, churches, former monastery buildings and museums add further chapters to the town’s history.
A historic centre with distinct layers of history
The Real Villa de Teguise is designated a historic-artistic architectural ensemble. Its appearance has changed little since the 19th century. A stroll through the cobbled streets of the historic centre is one way to explore Teguise.
The Teatro Municipal stands on the site of the former Chapel of the Holy Spirit, founded in 1730; the site therefore had a religious history even before it was converted into a theatre. The Casa de Torres is also part of the town’s historic architecture: it was built in the 18th century as a typical Lanzarote town house.
Churches and architectural history
The parish church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe was founded in the first half of the 16th century and is the most important church on Lanzarote. Its tower is the tallest architectural feature in Teguise. The convent church of Santo Domingo was built in the early 18th century on the site of a church dating back to the 17th century. The convent church was converted into an exhibition hall; access to exhibitions may vary.
The former Franciscan church was also converted into a museum of religious art. Together with the former Dominican convent church, it preserves Lanzarote’s most important collection of Mudéjar roof structures. The two churches offer insights into different aspects of the island’s religious architectural history.
Museums and their distinctive features
The Casa Museo El Timple combines the functions of a museum, a research centre and a cultural venue. It is dedicated to the timple, one of the Canary Islands’ most representative musical instruments. Its main attraction is an extensive collection of timples; visitors can also observe the different stages of their manufacture.
At the Casa Museo MarquĂ©s de Herreras y Rojas, the architecture can be linked to the house’s ownership history. The house spans two levels and features a central courtyard with a gallery of balconies. It initially belonged to the Dominican Order and was later sold to the SpĂnola family. The courtyard and balcony gallery thus add concrete architectural details to the house’s story.
Waterways, an alley and a castle
The CallejĂłn de la Sangre was a natural passage for water flowing through the Barranco de Miraflores to the Mareta. Its present-day name dates back to the repelled North African raid by Calafat in September 1569. The narrow alley thus represents both the former watercourse and an event that lives on in its name.
Castillo de Santa Bárbara was built on the Guanapay Caldera in the first half of the 16th century. It is the oldest surviving military structure on Lanzarote. Alongside the churches and the Teatro Municipal, the castle reveals another aspect of Teguise’s architectural history: military architecture alongside religious and cultural buildings.
Sunday market in the historic centre
The traditional and popular Mercadillo Dominical de la Villa de Teguise takes place every Sunday in the historic centre. The Mercadillo de La Villa de Teguise has more than 400 stalls there; the number may change. If you plan your visit for a Sunday, you can combine a trip to the market with a stroll through the cobbled streets of the historic centre.
Discover more destinations: Caleta De Sebo, Los Valles, Tahiche, Teseguite, Famara, Los Cocoteros, Guatiza, Muñique, Oasis De Nazaret, Sóo.
Return to the main travel overview: Lanzarote.
