Piracy Museum - Teguise

General information

Destination	Category
Lanzarote, Spain	Attractions/Entertainment

Program details

Learn all about the turbulent past of this beautiful island at Lanzarote's very own pirate museum. The Fortress of Santa Barbara is a 15th Century watchtower, built to protect the old capital, Teguise, from the attacks of pirates. After the Spanish occupation of America, Lanzarote occupied a strategic position at the crossroads of the Atlantic trade routes and therefore became a magnet for pirates.

In this fascinating museum you will discover how piracy affected both Teguise and the Canary Islands. Learn how the population of this now sleepy town once lived in fear of being sold into slavery by Saracen raiders. You'll get to meet such celebrated buccaneers as John Hawkins, Francis Drake and Robert Blake, all of whom knew these waters well. Then explore the weapons hall with reproductions of the guns, sabres and cannons used by pirates and a models of an old Spanish 106cannon galleon from the 18th century, used to fight against pirates.

Then go down to the dungeons and ponder the fate of the unfortunate prisoners held here and then climb to the military pigeon loft for great views over the town and out to sea. A great day out for all the family.

Start or opening time: Summer season everyday at 10 am. Winter Season: Monday-Saturday 9am, Sundays and Bank holidays 10am.
End or closing time: Everyday, including bank holidays, at 4pm.