Castillo de San Gabriel

Castillo de San Gabriel is a 16th-century fort standing on a small islet off the coast of Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote. Today it houses the Museum of the History of Arrecife, and the fort together with the bridge leading to it is protected as a site of cultural interest.

Why was a fort built here in the first place?

The castle was commissioned in 1573 by Agustín de Herrera y Rojas, the first count and marquis of Lanzarote. The original structure was made of wood and was meant to defend the coastline against the pirate and corsair raids that were common at the time. That protection turned out to be short-lived: in 1586 the fort was burned down during an attack led by the Ottoman corsair known as Morato Arráez. To strengthen the island's defenses for good, King Philip II of Spain ordered the fort rebuilt in stone in 1591. The structure visitors see today, however, dates from later still — it took its final form during works carried out in the 18th century.

What does the fort look like, and exactly where does it stand?

Castillo de San Gabriel sits on a small rocky islet separated from the mainland by a narrow stretch of water, now part of Arrecife's waterfront. Access is via a crossing, the best known of which is the Puente de las Bolas — a distinctive drawbridge with stone cannonballs set on its pillars. It is this bridge, together with the fort itself, that has been given protected status as a cultural asset.

What is there to see inside?

The fort's interior is occupied by the Museum of the History of Arrecife, which traces the story of the city and the island from its earliest days to the present. The collection includes objects connected to the Majos, the indigenous people who inhabited Lanzarote before Spanish colonization, alongside facsimiles of historical documents relating to the island and scale models showing how Arrecife's layout has changed over the centuries. Admission to the museum is free, making it an easy addition to any visit to Lanzarote's capital.

Why is it worth a visit?

Castillo de San Gabriel brings together several layers of the island's past — episodes of fighting off pirate raids, decisions made by the Spanish crown to defend its coastlines, and the story of Lanzarote's original inhabitants. Its setting on an islet, reached by a bridge decorated with stone cannonballs, makes it visually distinct from the rest of Arrecife's waterfront and a popular subject for photos among visitors touring the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Castillo de San Gabriel built? The first, wooden version of the fort dates from 1573. After it burned down in 1586, it was rebuilt in stone in 1591, and the building took on its current appearance through works carried out in the 18th century.

Who ordered the castle to be built? It was commissioned by Agustín de Herrera y Rojas, the first count and marquis of Lanzarote. The later stone rebuild was ordered by King Philip II.

What can visitors see inside the fort? The castle houses the Museum of the History of Arrecife, with exhibits on the Majos culture, facsimiles of historical documents, and scale models tracing the city's growth. Entry is free.

How do you get to the castle? The fort stands on an islet connected to the mainland by a bridge — the most recognizable crossing is the Puente de las Bolas, a drawbridge decorated with stone cannonballs on its pillars.