San Cristobal de La Laguna

Declared a World Cultural and Heritage Site by Unesco, the ancient capital of the Canary islands, San Cristobal de La Laguna (La Laguna for short, Spanish for “The Lagoon”) has maintained its highly valued historic centre in an exemplary state of conservation. La Laguna has often been called the “Florence of the Canary Islands”, this is due to the large number of churches and convents that has, besides its old town and its historic buildings. It is home to the University of La Laguna (founded in 1701) and considered to be the cultural capital of the Canary Islands.

Plaza del Adelantado, La Laguna, Tenerife

Plaza del Adelantado, La Laguna

At its centre, the Plaza de la Junta Suprema commemorates an important historical event: the transfer of the capital of Spain during the invasion of the peninsula by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1810. This entire process took place in these streets, and for this they will always be remembered. La Laguna is full of historic and grand buildings, monuments, and sites, perhaps the grandest among them being the Cathedral of Our Lady of Remedios.

Plaza de la Junta Suprema, La Laguna

Plaza de la Junta Suprema. Photo by Almedra

The Cathedral of San Cristobal de La Laguna is one of the most important in the Canary Islands. Located in the center of the town, the church is a blend of neo-classical and gothic styles and contains a marble pulpit by Genovese sculptor Pascuale Bocciardo as well as other artwork and carvings by local artists.

Catedral de La Laguna, Tenerife

Catedral de La Laguna. Photo by DailosTamanca

The Iglesia de la Concepción located in the historical center of the city, is the island’s first parish church that dates back to the early 15th century. The church consists of three naves with semi-circular arches as well as a Mudejar-style coffer. People can climb the tower to view much of the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna

Catedral de La Laguna, Tenerife

Iglesia de La Conception. Photo by Berthold Werner

The Tenerife Museum of History and Anthropology is located in two different venues: Casa Lercaro in the center of the city and Casa de Carta in the nearby municipality of Valle de Guerra. The variety of exhibits cover the history and culture of the island that dates back to the 15th century and includes artifacts, sculptures, books and artwork.

La Laguna is also home to some of the best folklore in the Canary Islands, and the most famous folklorists are Los Sabandeños. La Laguna has created 59 folklore groups in and around La Laguna.

Its pedestrian streets allow you to enjoy the cozy, warm and ancient flavor. The terraces of the bars and cafés are places where you can relax with a cold beer or coffee.

Its proximity to the coast enables the city to enjoy the vast Tenerife beaches and the numerous attractions of other cities such as Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava.

Things to see in San Cristobal de La Laguna
* Real Santuario del Santísimo Cristo de la Laguna
* Convento de Santa Clara des Asis
* Convento de Sta. Catalina de Siena
* Casa Alvarado Bracamonte
* Casa de Montañés
* Instituto de Canarias Cabrera Pinto
* Iglesia de La Conception

Real Santuario del Santísimo Cristo de la Laguna

Real Santuario del Santísimo Cristo de la Laguna. Photo by Berthold Werner