TRAVEL GUIDES DIRECTORY: LANZAROTE SPAIN: TEGUISE

The village of Teguise boasts one of the most valuable architectural structures in the whole of the Canary Islands .

Founded in the 15 th century, Tequise is one of the oldest settlements in the Canary Islands , hence, its importance both historically and architecturally. It was the capital of Lanzarote from the same century until 1852, when Arrecife became the capital owing to the economic activity generated from its port.

Tequise suffered frequent pirate invasions, and this prompted Sancho de Herrera to order the erection of a watchtower near Guanapay , from where one could control and oversee just about the entire island. In the 16 th century, this defensive structure, which was really just a turret, became El Castle de Santa Barbara . However, the castle was not sufficient to withstand the pirate attacks. The name of the street, El Callej de La Sangre , refers to the horrifying massacre led by the pirate captain Amurat , wherein he eradicated almost the entire population in the year 1586.

In 1596, La villa de Teguise was just a small community with a few houses and a church. But, later on, during the course of the 17th and 18 th centuries, it grew to become a flourishing church and convent town, until later the status of capital was finally handed over to Arrecife .

The most notable festivals celebrated in the town are La Virgen del Carmen (16th July) and La Virgin de Las Nieves (5th August).

Covering most of the land from East coast to West, Teguise is the largest municipality on the island. At present, one of the chief tourist spots in the Canary Islands, Costa Teguise, is found in its shores. Costa Tequise is a wonderful coastline set apart by its well-balanced, appealing architecture and high quality of service.

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