Betancuria

Betancuria sits in a valley at the end of a spectacular mountain road which offers unforgettable views over the island.

This ancient town was the island’s first capital. Steeped in history, its quant old building now home shops, restaurants, a museum and some of the oldest houses on the island.

It is set in a fertile valley away from the coast making it less likely to be attacked by invaders.

Betancuria owes its name to Frenchman Jean de Bethencourt who betancuria mountains conquered and colonised the island at the start of the 15^th century. The Spanish heritage seen today is down to early Norman settlers deserting the island leaving Bethencourt little choice but to switch his allegiance to Spain.

Betancuria was the centre of the inter island council. It was the home of nobles, soldiers and the island’s first church La Santa Maria de Betancuria which was responsible for converting natives to Christianity.

Only the bell tower now exists from the original building. The church was almost completely destroyed in 1593 when the Berbers attacked. It was not rebuilt until the 17^th century – it’s bells still peeling out over the town.

Of particular note in the church are the Baroque-style choir stalls, the arrangement of the old tombs and a Mudejar coffered ceiling.

The economy of Betancuria was based on cereals and goats. But agriculture depended on the climate and although the rich harvests of betancuria church rainy years would carry the town through leaner times, dry seasons became more frequent and the population drifted to other parts of the island giving rise to such towns as Antigua, Pajara, Tuineje and Tetir.

The 18^th century saw the creation of the island’s first regiment which took up home In La Olivia converting it into the new capital of Fuerteventura.

The Colonels heading the regiments held considerable power, electing mayors and punishing anyone who opposed them with exile.

Marriages were arranged among themselves strengthening the feudal system in force. In La Olivia there still stands La Casa de los Coroneles, testament to the town’s military past.

However, La Olivia’s claim as capital city did not last with Antigua briefly winning the title during the 1800s, a fact which locals are still proud of today!

Here, the first seeds of political unrest were sown with unrest between the Colonels in the north who wanted to keep the feudal systems and those opposed.

In 1835 the feudal system was finally abolished and in its place, each parish was declared an independent district responsible for creating the six town halls (ayuntamientos) still in existence today.