Mirador del Río
Lanzarote, Spain

César Manrique

The Mirador del Río, perched atop the magnificent Risco de Famara cliffs in Lanzarote, is not merely a viewpoint but a profound testament to César Manrique's philosophy of integrating art, architecture, and nature seamlessly. Completed in 1973, in collaboration with architect Eduardo Cáceres and artist Jesús Soto,

Manrique's approach to Mirador del Río is one of deliberate concealment and organic integration. From the outside, the structure is almost invisible, camouflaged into the volcanic rock of the cliff face.

Large, panoramic windows, often referred to as "the eyes," frame the spectacular views of the Chinijo Archipelago, particularly the island of La Graciosa, like living paintings. This deliberate framing enhances the natural beauty, making the landscape the true centerpiece of the experience.

The Mirador del Río stands as a magnificent example of environmental architecture, where the human hand has allowed nature's grandeur to take centre stage. It is a powerful reminder of Manrique's legacy and his unwavering belief that art and ecology can coexist in perfect synergy.