Introduction
Nestled in the historic heart of La Oliva, the Museo del Grano – La Cilla offers a captivating window into the agricultural soul of Fuerteventura. Housed in a beautifully restored early 19th-century stone building, the museum occupies the former "Casa de La Cilla." This structure is a quintessential example of traditional Majorero architecture, characterized by its sturdy volcanic masonry and functional elegance, reflecting the island's enduring relationship with its rugged terrain.
Historically, the cilla served as a vital tithe barn where the local population stored the grains—primarily wheat, barley, and rye—paid to the Church. For centuries, these cereals were the lifeblood of the island, earning Fuerteventura the prestigious nickname "the granary of the Canary Islands." The museum vividly illustrates the evolution of farming techniques, from ancient sowing methods to the traditional tools and cycles of harvest that sustained generations of islanders in a challenging, arid climate.
A visit to the museum is essential for any traveler looking to go beyond the beaches and uncover the authentic heritage of the "Majorero" people. Through its evocative exhibits, you will discover the ingenuity required to farm this desert-like landscape and gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the local culture. It is a quiet, contemplative stop that perfectly complements a stroll through the charming streets of La Oliva, providing a rich historical context to the island’s striking natural beauty.
Highlights
- Casa de la Cilla Architecture by Traditional Majorero Builders (1819): This restored stone granary stands as a primary exhibit of 19th-century rural construction designed to house the community's grain tithes.
- Traditional Wooden Plow by Unknown Local Artisans (19th Century): This hand-carved tool illustrates the rudimentary agricultural technology used to cultivate Fuerteventura’s arid volcanic landscape.
- The Threshing Sled (Trilla) by Traditional Craftsmen (Early 20th Century): This flint-studded wooden platform represents the intensive manual labor once required to separate grain from straw using animal traction.
- Cereal Export Cartography by Historical Archive Curators (Modern Display): These detailed maps highlight Fuerteventura’s historical status as the "granary of the Canary Islands" by showing the maritime trade routes of wheat and barley.
- Basalt Hand Mills (Tahonas) by Indigenous and Traditional Artisans (Pre-Industrial): These heavy stone grinding tools demonstrate the historical method of processing toasted grain into gofio, the staple flour of the Canarian diet.
- Harvest Photographic Series by Various Archival Photographers (Mid-20th Century): A poignant collection of black-and-white images captures the communal efforts and social customs surrounding the island's traditional cereal harvest.
- Grain Storage Vaults by Traditional Masonry Builders (19th Century): The interior features specialized stone-walled compartments engineered to protect the harvest from pests and moisture in the desert climate.
Getting There
The Museo del Grano - la Cilla is located at C. la Orilla, 5, within the town center (casco urbano) of La Oliva.
By Car or Taxi
The museum is situated on the road that leads from the center of La Oliva toward the town of Los Lajares. You can use Google Maps to generate specific driving directions from your location.
Public Transport
To find current routes and public transport options serving La Oliva, visitors can consult Google Maps for local schedules and directions.
Walking
As the museum is positioned in the heart of the town center, it is easily accessible on foot for those already exploring the historic area of La Oliva.
Admission & Opening Hours
Opening Hours
The museum is open to the public from Tuesday through Saturday, offering consistent daytime hours for visitors. Please note that the facility is closed on both Mondays and Sundays.
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00-17:00
- Wednesday: 10:00-17:00
- Thursday: 10:00-17:00
- Friday: 10:00-17:00
- Saturday: 10:00-17:00
- Sunday: Closed
Admission
Entry to the Museo del Grano - la Cilla is affordably priced for individual travelers. For information regarding concessions, children's rates, or group discounts, please check the official website.
- Adult: EUR1.5
For further details and the latest visitor updates, please visit the official website.
Nearby Attractions
- Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (160m, 2 min walk): This majestic church is one of the most significant historical structures remaining from the town's time as Fuerteventura's capital.
- Casa de los Coroneles (450m, 6 min walk): This majestic former mansion once housed the island's colonels and reflects the high historical significance of La Oliva.
- La Oliva Historic Center (100m, 1 min walk): The picturesque streets of the former capital are filled with traditional Canarian buildings that offer a glimpse into the island's "Ye Olden Days."
Know Before You Go
Accessibility
- Specific accessibility information for Museo del Grano - la Cilla is not specified.
Facilities and Services
- On-site services and facilities for visitors are not specified.
Best Time to Visit
- The typical visit duration for this location is not specified.
Photography
- Photography guidelines and restrictions for the museum are not specified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Museo del Grano - la Cilla? A: It is a specialized museum dedicated to the agricultural history of Fuerteventura. Housed in a historic 19th-century building, it explores the vital role that cereal cultivation played in the island's economy and social development.
Q: Where is the museum located? A: The museum is located in the town of La Oliva, in northern Fuerteventura. It is situated in the historic "Casa de La Cilla" on the road that connects the center of La Oliva with the village of Los Lajares.
Q: What is the history of the museum building? A: The museum is housed in a restored stone building known as La Cilla, which was originally constructed in the early 19th century. It follows the traditional "majorera" architectural style, utilizing local stone and materials that were standard for agricultural storage buildings of that era.
Q: Why was this specific building called "La Cilla"? A: Historically, a "cilla" was a tithe barn or warehouse used to store the grain collected as taxes or religious tithes. This makes the building itself a significant artifact of the island's agricultural and economic history.
Q: What can visitors see inside the museum? A: Visitors can explore various exhibits detailing:
- The history of farming on Fuerteventura.
- Traditional tools and machinery used for sowing and harvesting grain.
- The social and cultural importance of cereals to the "Majorero" people.
- Information on the restoration of the historic stone building.
Q: How do I get to the museum by car? A: You can easily reach the museum by driving to the municipality of La Oliva. It is located within the urban area on the main road toward Los Lajares. For precise navigation, you can use Google Maps.
Q: Is the museum suitable for those interested in architecture? A: Absolutely. Beyond the agricultural exhibits, the building is a prime example of traditional Fuerteventura architecture. Visitors can admire the historic stonework and the preservation of 19th-century construction techniques.
Q: Why is grain so central to Fuerteventura’s history? A: For centuries, Fuerteventura was considered the "granary of the Canary Islands." Due to its landscape and climate, the production of cereals like wheat and barley was the primary source of life and wealth for the islanders before the rise of modern tourism.
Q: Are there other cultural sites nearby? A: Yes, since the museum is located in the historic center of La Oliva, it is very close to other significant landmarks, such as the Casa de los Coroneles. This makes it an ideal stop as part of a cultural walking tour of the town.