Who was César Manrique?
César Manrique (1919–1992) was an artist, architect, and environmental activist born in Lanzarote, Canary Islands. His work is characterized by the fusion of art with nature, and his philosophy focused on the harmonious integration of the natural environment and human intervention. He pioneered sustainable art long before the term became popular.

Artistic philosophy
For Manrique, nature was not only inspiration, but also raw material. His works never sought to impose themselves on the landscape, but rather to engage in dialogue with it. He rejected aggressive urban planning and championed an environmentally friendly development model, making him an international benchmark in sustainability and ecological art.

Featured works
César Manrique left an indelible artistic and architectural legacy, primarily in the Canary Islands, but also abroad. His best-known works include:

• Jameos del Agua (Lanzarote): transformation of a volcanic tube into a cultural and tourist center.

• Mirador del Río (Lanzarote): a panoramic point that blends into the surroundings.

• Cactus Garden (Lanzarote): a fusion of sculpture, botany and architecture.

• César Manrique Foundation (Lanzarote): his former home, built in volcanic bubbles, is now a museum and study center for his legacy.
   

Mediterranean Maritime Park (Ceuta)
One of Manrique’s rare works outside the Canary Islands is the Parque Marítimo del Mediterráneo, located in Ceuta and inaugurated in 1995, three years after his death. It was designed by him and executed by his team, respecting his characteristic style.

This space, spanning more than 55,000 m², combines leisure, art, and nature. It consists of three large artificial saltwater lakes, surrounded by gardens, sculptures, waterfalls, swimming areas, an open-air auditorium, bars, restaurants, and a casino.

The park's design follows Manrique's aesthetic: organic forms, use of volcanic rock, integrating native vegetation, and full respect for the environment. In Ceuta, the artist intended the park to be an extension of the sea and a celebration of the Mediterranean.

Legacy
César Manrique not only transformed spaces. He transformed the way we think about art in relation to the landscape. His influence endures today in every place he touched, and his message remains urgent: “Art must be like nature: a complete work.”