El Risco de Famara is an extensive On clear, cloudless days, we can contemplate the MIRADOR DEL RÍO cliff which runs lengthways for 22 resplendent views of the Chinijo Archipelago Nature Reserve. Creator: César Manrique kilometres from Punta Fariones, in Opened in: 1973 the extreme north of the island, to This is divided, first of all, into the island of La Graciosa, Location: El Risco de Famara. Municipality of Haría El Morro del Hueso, in the vicinity behind which there are Montaña Clara and the Roque del of Teguise. Along its orography it Oeste and, finally, Alegranza and the Roque del Este. The reaches its highest point (which is bottom of the Risco de Famara can be seen from the Mirador The Mirador del Río is situated high up on the Risco de also the highest point on the island) at Las Peñas del Chache, an altitude and, noticeable by their shades of red, the island’s oldest salt- Famara, at an altitude of 475 metres, in the most northerly of 671 metres. The vertical line of mines, the Salinas del Río. area of the island. From here we can see one of Lanzarote’s the Risco runs almost parallel to the most spectacular panoramas. This is one of the architectonic coastline of La Graciosa, the two creations most representative of César Manrique, where his being separated by a narrow stretch enthusiastic project integrating art and nature is given concrete of water known as the Río. Being of great interest in environmental expression in the succession of artistic and architectonic terms, the Risco de Famara, La details. Graciosa and the neighbouring islets, It is located between two geological features that are of including the sea bed, form a whole particular significance: on the one hand, the impressive Risco which has been declared the Chinijo de Famara and, on the other hand, La Corona Volcano, from Archipelago Nature Reserve. which run the arms of the large, semi-circular plaza leading to The interior the building. Inside, we pass along a snaking corridor in which there This significant building is barely noticeable from the outside are niches decorated with traditional ceramics made by the because, in a subtle camouflaging manoeuvre, the structure Lanzaroteño craftsman Juan Brito. Chinijo Archipelago is hidden beneath a heavy layer of rock which mimics the After crossing this attractive entrance, we come to two The Chinijo Archipelago is a natural environment the value surrounding landscape. large vaulted spaces, in which there are two wide glass of which merits the various levels of protection it enjoys, The technical execution of the works was overseen by the architect windows - the “eyes” of the Mirador - which allow visitors to and its declaration as another National Park for Lanzarote is Eduardo Cáceres and the artist Jesús Soto. The works were see the extraordinary view from a very special position. under consideration. The inner waters of this group of small completed in 1973, when the building was opened. In this very space, we come to two original monumental islands have been declared a Marine Reserve, the largest in The execution of the building entailed a real display of technical sculptures made of iron rods and plates. These sculptures, the European Union. La Graciosa is the only inhabited island. planning, given that the area had to be excavated before suspended from the ceiling, fill the vaulted space and perform Its population of around 500 inhabitants has traditionally lived subsequently erecting the building and covering it in volcanic rock. The landscape and environmental aspects of the the task of reducing noise, thus preventing reverberations. from fishing. location, as well as the particularity of its The strategic position of use, served in tackling the works in the enclave which, like an experimental way, in both the a watchtower, affords a functional aspects and the aesthetic privileged view over a broad and construction solutions. section of the northern end of the island, was used Located on the outside in a military context at the of the edifice, there is end of the 19th century: a a figurative sculpture defensive coastal battery was made of wrought iron. It constructed during the Spanish- represents a fish and a American War. This area of the bird. This is a metaphor Risco de Famara has always of the two natural been popularly known as elements that are “Batería del Río’”. especially present in this particular landscape: Attention should be given to the handrail running along the perimeter, water and air. made of iron and wood, which makes the facade resemble the prow of a boat. Symbolically, the island would be transformed into a ship sailing northwards on the waters of the Atlantic. OPENING HOURS Centre/ Coffee Shop: 10:00 – 17:45 h. Summer timetable: (from 1 July to 30 September): 10:00 – 18:45 h.* *In the summer months (July, August and September), due to the large influx of visitors, we would recommend paying individual visits during afternoon hours to avoid crowds. FACILITIES Coffee Shop Bar Shop Audioguide Car Park Panoramic view Centres of Art, Culture and Tourism RECOMMENDATIONS: Caution: Be careful when leaning over the edge. The differences in MIRADOR DEL RÍO floor levels are very pronounced and there is a risk of falling. Pay special attention if you are accompanied by children. Protection: You are in a place, the natural, cultural and heritage values of which are recognised and protected by law. You are visiting Property of Cultural Interest in the category of Monuments which is part of the Archipiélago Chinijo Natural Park. Please be respectful with the environment. Visitors: Please allow other visitors to carry out their visit in comfort and without holdups. Do not obstruct the way unnecessarily. Vehicles: Please follow the instructions of the staff of the Centre when parking your vehicle. Water: Water is scarce. Please do not waste it. Information Material: If you are not going to use it, please do not throw it away. Return it to where you picked it up so that it can be re-used. Help us to Protect the Environment: Please do not damage the vegetation. Please do not touch plants nor take away any object whatsoever. Please place paper, cigarette ends or other waste matter in the litter bins. Please do not smoke except in outdoor areas. Safety: Keep a safe distance with respect to the limits of the Viewpoint to avoid falls. Be careful, also, on the upper terrace. Climbing or sitting on the stone wall surrounding the Viewpoint is prohibited. Use the stairs with caution as the steps are uneven. Printed on ecological paper. paper. ecological on Printed For further information / recommendation: www.centrosturisticos.com 015 2 CactLanzarote @CactLanzarote ENGLISH You will find more detailed and full information in the Official Guide to the Art, ember ec Culture and Tourist Centres, on sale in the shops in the Centres. Mirador del Río D.