Antigua, Fuerteventura

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This beautiful and very charming town, located only a 10 minute drive from the capital of Puerto del Rosario, is set among palm and prickly pear trees, with cobbled streets and large houses with the traditional whitewashed walls. The area was first established as an agricultural and craft centre in 1485, when the families of Norman, Castillian and Andalucian colonisers came to Fuerteventura to cultivate the plains at the foot of the mountains.

The small church was originally looked after by an old hermit whose house, along with the original chapel, still forms part of the present church structure. The new part of the church dates from the 18th century, however the original hermitage was erected in the honour of the Virgen de Antigua at the end of the 15th century.

For those interested in the hermitages of Fuerteventura, there are several others close to Antigua. There is the 17th century Virgen de Guadaloupe in the village of Agua de Bueyes, and that of San Isidre that can be seen in Triquivijate. This building was founded in 1715 and is surrounded by a wall with battlements. In the village of Ampuyenta, the hermitage of San Pedro de Alcantara is particularly worth a visit, as its interior walls are covered right up to the ceiling with Baroque murals.

On the outskirts of the town you can find the Centro de Artesania Molino de Antigua, which is set around a restored original windmill. Here they give demonstrations of the work of the ‘Majorero’ craftsmen and hold exhibitions that are important to the continuation of many of the islands traditions.

The centre is set in very pleasant gardens with cacti and palm trees, and the building itself is an example of traditional architecture combining stone and wood. The island craft fair (Feria Insular de Artesania) takes place here in May or June of every year and is well worth a visit. You can see folklore groups and local craftsmen exchanging experiences and selling their goods.

Carnival is celebrated with much enthusiasm throughout Fuerteventura, but in Antigua particularly, they certainly know how to have a good time. The ‘fiestas’ present the perfect opportunity to try some of the local dishes, that are particular to Antigua itself, such as ‘baifo’ which is young kid (goat, honest!) that is roasted in the oven, or the local fish specialities which are ‘sancocho’ and ‘tollos’, saltfish cut into strips. The festival of the Virgen de Antigua is held on the 8th September each year, and features a ‘Rancho de Pascuas’, or groups of musicians playing string, percussion, woodwind and brass instruments.


Home Business Directory Classified Ads Information Pages News Pages Weather Maps Holiday Accommodation Long Term Accommodation Flights Estate Agents Property For Sale Property Services Employment Search Advertise Contact Last Update 29 Jul 2010	Antigua, Fuerteventura You are here: Fuerteventura > Information Pages > Towns & Villages > Antigua This beautiful and very charming town, located only a 10 minute drive from the capital of Puerto del Rosario, is set among palm and prickly pear trees, with cobbled streets and large houses with the traditional whitewashed walls. The area was first established as an agricultural and craft centre in 1485, when the families of Norman, Castillian and Andalucian colonisers came to Fuerteventura to cultivate the plains at the foot of the mountains. The small church was originally looked after by an old hermit whose house, along with the original chapel, still forms part of the present church structure. The new part of the church dates from the 18th century, however the original hermitage was erected in the honour of the Virgen de Antigua at the end of the 15th century. For those interested in the hermitages of Fuerteventura, there are several others close to Antigua. There is the 17th century Virgen de Guadaloupe in the village of Agua de Bueyes, and that of San Isidre that can be seen in Triquivijate. This building was founded in 1715 and is surrounded by a wall with battlements. In the village of Ampuyenta, the hermitage of San Pedro de Alcantara is particularly worth a visit, as its interior walls are covered right up to the ceiling with Baroque murals. On the outskirts of the town you can find the Centro de Artesania Molino de Antigua, which is set around a restored original windmill. Here they give demonstrations of the work of the ‘Majorero’ craftsmen and hold exhibitions that are important to the continuation of many of the islands traditions. The centre is set in very pleasant gardens with cacti and palm trees, and the building itself is an example of traditional architecture combining stone and wood. The island craft fair (Feria Insular de Artesania) takes place here in May or June of every year and is well worth a visit. You can see folklore groups and local craftsmen exchanging experiences and selling their goods. Carnival is celebrated with much enthusiasm throughout Fuerteventura, but in Antigua particularly, they certainly know how to have a good time. The ‘fiestas’ present the perfect opportunity to try some of the local dishes, that are particular to Antigua itself, such as ‘baifo’ which is young kid (goat, honest!) that is roasted in the oven, or the local fish specialities which are ‘sancocho’ and ‘tollos’, saltfish cut into strips. The festival of the Virgen de Antigua is held on the 8th September each year, and features a ‘Rancho de Pascuas’, or groups of musicians playing string, percussion, woodwind and brass instruments. Copyright © Ideal Internet Ltd 2006 - 2009