Mancha Blanca & Timanfaya Interpretation and Visitors’ Centre
If the volcanic landscapes of the Timanfaya National Park have impressed you so much that you are eager to learn more about volcanism, then pay a visit to the park’s Interpretation and Visitors’ Centre (Centro de Visitantes e Interpretación), located at the park boundaries a few kilometres further north on the way to the Mancha Blanca village.
Opened in 1996 right in the middle of lava fields, this museum – though man-built – can definitely be considered one of the most interesting sights of this park. Seen from the outside, it appears small, but once inside it turns out to be much larger, as most of the exhibition is underground. By means of hi-tech multimedia equipment, the working of volcanoes is explained. One of the highlights of this extremely interesting museum is the Eruption Hall where simulated eruptions with everything – noise, smoke, and colours – can be experienced.
There are also viewpoints onto the lava fields, a library as well as a souvenir and bookshop. This Centre, which is open from 09.00 to 17.00 hrs, is also the only booking place for the two guided hiking trips around the park, which are offered at the time.
The tiny village of Mancha Blanca itself wouldn’t be of much interest if it wasn’t for its church, the Ermita de los Dolores, home to the statue of Nuestra Señora de los Volcanes (Our Virgin of the Volcanoes). This church was built in honour of the Virgin Mary, to whom the inhabitants of the village attributed their salvation from destruction through the 1824 eruptions of the nearby volcano Tinguatón. Next to the church, you will find a cross on a small lava rock, marking the spot where the lava flow was said to have stopped.
In commemoration of this miracle, every year on the 15th of September, the island’s most important religious festival is celebrated with a lavish procession. An artisan fair, the Feria Insular de Artesania Tradicional, where artists from the whole archipelago offer their works, and entertaining folklore shows complete the festive activities.
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