San Bartolomé

San Bartolomé

San Bartolomé is a small town located in the center of the island of Lanzarote, a few kilometers south of the capital, Arrecife. San Bartolomé is the second largest town in the municipality to which it gives its name, after the coastal town of Playa Honda.

Municipality of San Bartolome
Municipality of San Bartolome

History

Aboriginal period

The history of San Bartolomé goes back to the pre-conquest period of the island, as evidenced by certain archaeological sites. In Montaña Mina, human remains of the majos have been found, as well as aboriginal ceramics and malacofauna in different areas of the municipality. Channels and bowls excavated in the Mina, Guatisea and Montaña Blanca mountains have also been discovered, the functionality of which is still unknown. In the urban nucleus of San Bartolomé there was an aboriginal cheese factory that was destroyed by a new building, but color photos of which are preserved.

Post-conquest period

Starting in the 15th century, settlers from various origins began to settle in the indigenous village of San Bartolomé. This is reflected in the diversity of surnames that exist today, such as Brito, Martín, Perera, Betancor, De León, Tarajano, Acosta, Berriel, García and Corujo. At the end of the 18th century, San Bartolomé had 144 neighbors, some manor houses and the creation of the parish. The founder of the parish was Don Cayetano Guerra Clavijo y Perdomo, son of Mayor Guerra who had financed the construction of a new church in the town.

Present

San Bartolomé continues to be an important town thanks to its privileged location in the insular geography and its agricultural importance, with prominent crops such as sweet potatoes. The boom in the cultivation and export of the barrel, as well as the export of wine and brandy, were essential for the development and growth of San Bartolomé as a municipality. In the last twenty-five years, the economy has been reconfigured around tourism, which has had an impact on the social, cultural and urban landscape of the population. In 2005, the municipality proposed to change its name to San Bartolomé de Ajey, but the proposal was rejected in a referendum.

What to see

One of the most popular tourist attractions in San Bartolomé is the Casa-Museo del Campesino, located on the outskirts of the city. The museum pays homage to the island's traditional agricultural culture and features an impressive collection of tools and objects used in agriculture.

Casa Museo Al Campesino
Casa Museo Al Campesino

Another place of interest is the church of San Bartolomé, located in the center of the city. Built in the 18th century, the church is a beautiful example of Canarian architecture.

Church of San Bartolome
Church of San Bartolome

Casa Sardeña and Casa Mayor Guerra are two important historical buildings in San Bartolomé. Both houses are recommended visits for those interested in the history and architecture of Lanzarote.

Major Guerra House
Major Guerra House

Cerdeña House
Cerdeña House

Other of the houses of reference of the town, at the level of architecture and at the level of cultural commitment is the Casa Ajei.

Ajei House
Ajei House

What to do

Among the activities that can be carried out in the town of San Bartolomé, the route on foot, which runs through the historic center of the town, stands out. This trail is short but very impressive in terms of landscapes and historical places. It begins at the Church of San Bartolomé and ends in the same place, with a distance of 3 km and an approximate duration of 1 hour. During the route you can see some of the most emblematic buildings of the municipality, such as the José María Gil mill, the Casa Mayor Guerra and the church of San Bartolomé. In addition, you can enjoy the beautiful contrasts of landscapes in the area, among which the protected landscape of La Geria and El Jable stand out, which show two opposite regions in colors and in cultivation systems, but harmonious in a unique rainfed agriculture .

The route through the historic center of San Bartolomé is ideal for lovers of history, architecture and nature who want to discover the most beautiful corners of this municipality and enjoy an incomparable natural environment.

Festivities

The most important festivity of San Bartolomé is the festival in honor of its patron saint, San Bartolomé, which is celebrated on August 24. During this celebration, the city is filled with music, dance, and religious processions. Fairs and markets for crafts and local products are also organized.

In short, San Bartolomé is a small town full of charm and tradition in the heart of Lanzarote. From its historic church to its peasant museum, there's plenty to see and do in this laid-back, authentic destination.

Where is it

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