Focus On Betancuria On The Island Of Fuerteventura
Betancuria is situated in a picturesque valley high up in the islands mountain range also known as Betancuria. The valley is very fertile and produces a greener, softer feel to the area compared to other parts of the island.
Fuerteventura was conquered for the House of Castile by Juan de Bethencourt, a French seafarer, between 1402 and 1417 and Betancuria was named after the sailor and established as the islands capital in 1404. His banner is now preserved in the town museum.
The reason for the location of the capital was because of the tortuous journey to reach the town which protected it from frequent pirate attacks on the island, although in 1593 the pirate Jaban reached and attacked Betancuria and reduced everything including the Santa Maria church to a pile of rubble and ash. The church was not rebuilt until 1691 and little remains of the original apart from the bells. Fuerteventura was not the only Canary Island to be attacked by Pirates
The town remained the islands capital until 1834 when eventually Puerto de Cabras, or Puerto del Rosario as it is known today, became Fuerteventura’s Capital. The town is still the capital of the municipality of Betancuria and because of its historical importance is now a National Park.
On the main street running through the town is the Casa Museo Arquebiologico, flanked by cannons. The building contains a collection of important archaeological finds including farming tools, fertility idols, and articles of everyday life of this ancient people. Some of the old local handicrafts can still be seen today with a visit to the 'Casa Santa Maria' where you can watch the crafts men and artists at work and purchase some of the hand made products from the local shop.
Betancuria's income comes mainly from day visitors. The church which has now been fully restored is open to the public from 10am until 6pm and there's also a church museum. Most of the property in the town is typical of Canarian design.
The climb up to Betancuria is still as torturous as it was in the days of the pirate Jaban, but today with modern air-conditioned coaches the long mountain road is much easier to travel and the views over Fuerteventura from the top are breathtaking and well worth the journey.
Fuerteventura was conquered for the House of Castile by Juan de Bethencourt, a French seafarer, between 1402 and 1417 and Betancuria was named after the sailor and established as the islands capital in 1404. His banner is now preserved in the town museum.
The reason for the location of the capital was because of the tortuous journey to reach the town which protected it from frequent pirate attacks on the island, although in 1593 the pirate Jaban reached and attacked Betancuria and reduced everything including the Santa Maria church to a pile of rubble and ash. The church was not rebuilt until 1691 and little remains of the original apart from the bells. Fuerteventura was not the only Canary Island to be attacked by Pirates
The town remained the islands capital until 1834 when eventually Puerto de Cabras, or Puerto del Rosario as it is known today, became Fuerteventura’s Capital. The town is still the capital of the municipality of Betancuria and because of its historical importance is now a National Park.
On the main street running through the town is the Casa Museo Arquebiologico, flanked by cannons. The building contains a collection of important archaeological finds including farming tools, fertility idols, and articles of everyday life of this ancient people. Some of the old local handicrafts can still be seen today with a visit to the 'Casa Santa Maria' where you can watch the crafts men and artists at work and purchase some of the hand made products from the local shop.
Betancuria's income comes mainly from day visitors. The church which has now been fully restored is open to the public from 10am until 6pm and there's also a church museum. Most of the property in the town is typical of Canarian design.
The climb up to Betancuria is still as torturous as it was in the days of the pirate Jaban, but today with modern air-conditioned coaches the long mountain road is much easier to travel and the views over Fuerteventura from the top are breathtaking and well worth the journey.
Labels: betancuria, buyin fuerteventura, canarian, canary islands, fuerteventura, puerto del rosario
posted by BuyIN Magazine at
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