Arrecife has two castles on the waterfront, the Castillo San José sits overlooking Puerto Naos. This castle was built between 1776 and 1779 as ordered by King Don Carlos III. It was positioned at the port to look out for pirates and known locally as the ‘Fortress of Hunger’ because the construction helped to provide employment and alleviate hunger for the Conejeros who were struggling against thirst, hunger and disease following the volcanic eruptions.
The castle was restored in the 1970’s, there are two main galleries and some smaller rooms that house sculptures. The castle also has a restaurant which looks out to sea. The castle has been home to the Museum of International Contemporary Art since 1974 and includes modern artwork from leading Canarian artists such as Millares, Lasso and of course César Manrique.
Baltasar Lobo Juan Antonio Giraldo Amador A Rodríguez
Grand nu Allangé Homodaos Doble Cubo Apaisado
1959 1974 1978
The museum is open every day from 11am to 9pm, admission costs €2.50. The restaurant is open 11am to 1am every day, there is a separate entrance to the left.
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