Museo de la Piratería
Museo de la Piratería
Museo de la Pirateria (Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Montaña de Guanapay, Villa de Teguise) —
As early as the 15th century, the fortress (Castillo) of Santa Bárbara (located on the volcano of Guanapay) acted as both a watchtower to alert Spanish forces of incoming pirates, as well as beng a refuge for locals during pirate attacks. Such pirates who raided Lanzarote ranged from Berbers Morato Arráez, Tabac Arráez and Soliman, to Englishmen John Hawkins, Francis Drake and Robert Blake.
Now this site has been converted into a museum covering this piracy phenomenon. Visitors will find an interesting historical content, explaining the role of piracy and their attacks on the Canary Islands over four centuries. This museum has photographs, letters, and an extensive collection of models of ships which used to ply between the Canary Islands, Latin America and mainland Spain in old times. It also vividly depicts the plight of many islanders who were forced by hardship and natural disaster to emigrate in quest of a better life and a respite from the pirates. At the museum you can see the weapons being used at that time, flags, a replica of the center of Teguise as it was formerly. In chronological order the various pirate attacks are listed. The clothes and armor they wore at the time are also on display.
Admission: €3 (adults), free for children. Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (weekdays), 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (Sundays & holidays).