The history of the Canaries is marked by pirate incursions which date back to pre-Hispanic times, a time when the islands were routinely ransacked and local inhabitants were kidnapped to be sold as slaves. It was after the Spanish conquest, however, when the presence of piracy became more evident as pirate ships would sail around the archipelago and lie in wait for ships that would stop in the islands’ ports on their way back from America.
The Canaries have been the object of innumerable defence plans carried out by military engineers over the years. By far the most significant was that devised in 1588 by Leonardo Torriani upon the orders of King Philip II.
The fortress that stands at the top of Guanapay volcano is the result of a series of architectural changes which started in the middle of the 15th century when Agustín de Herrera y Rojas decided to build an impenetrable fortress against the constant attacks upon Lanazrote at the hands of pirates. However, the castle not only served as a vantage point from which to scan the sea in search of danger, but also as a refuge for the local population and as a jail for prisoners. Santa Bárbara Castle was built upon the foundations of Lancelotto Malocello’s building constructed at the beginning of the 14th century. It was in around 1571 when Gaspar de Salcedo added the two towers which completed its rhomboid shape.
In 1589, Argote de Molina decided to rebuild the Castle after being looted by pirates in 1587 and its current form is the result of work finished in 1596. The drawbridge was rebuilt in 1655. Some thirty or so years later in 1687 master stonemason Juan Luis carried out reconstruction work on the vaults and on the flagstone paving of the parade ground.
Once it was no longer needed as a form of defence, the castle fell into a state of disrepair and continued to gradually deteriorate until 1960 when the “Friends of Castles” association started work on the first round of restoration. The second overhaul was thanks to the Bellas Artes group in 1977.
Today it is home to the Piracy Museum.
Location: Castillo de Santa Bárbara. Montaña de Guanapay, Teguise.
Phone Number: +34 928.84.50.01.
WINTER OPENING HOURS:
From Monday to Firday: 09.00 to 16.00h.Saturdays: Closed.
Sunday & holidays: 09.30 to 15.00h.
SUMMER TIMETABLE:
From Monday to Firday: 09.00 to 15.00h.Saturdays: Closed.
Sunday & holidays: 09.30 a 15.00 hrs.
Prices:
Normal Entrance Fee: 3€ per person.Island Residents: 1,80€ per person.
Local Municipality of Teguise Residents: Free.Childre 11 and under: Free.
Children over 12 years pay same entrance fee as adults.
