A section of the Domínguez Estate, which once belonged to the family of the surrealist artist Oscar Dominguez, was originally designated for growing banana trees. Interestingly, within the estate stands a structure known as the Guayonje Castle or ‘El Castillete,’ which served as the family’s holiday retreat.
Despite being a significant reflection of the municipality’s recent history, the property is not included in any cultural heritage protection measures and is currently in a state of neglect. While the tower remains relatively well-preserved, the room overlooking the cliff has unfortunately collapsed.
To catch a glimpse of this estate, all you need to do is head to Mesa del Mar. However, upon parking, you’ll have to pass through a tunnel that leads to La Arena Beach and then follow the promenade. Eventually, after the old campsite, you’ll be able to spot the castle perched on the cliff.
Oscar Dominguez
In 1934, Óscar Domínguez became part of the surrealist circle in Paris. However, even in his earliest works, we can observe a surreal, uninhibited, and imaginative style that prominently features elements from his childhood surroundings and the insular landscapes. Evidently influenced by the whimsical and abundant forms taken by Canary Islands’ Nature, he portrayed black sandy beaches, ancient dragon trees, horizontal rainfall, and sea of clouds in his creations, which added surreal characteristics to his work.
This incorporation of his origins earned him recognition as a natural surrealist, a label bestowed upon him by André Breton and Benjamin Péret for his depiction of the mystical essence of the Atlantic territories he hailed from. Filled with these vivid imageries, his artistry rightfully earned him the reputation of a spontaneous surrealist.
