San Cristobal de La Laguna, the religious and cultural capital of Tenerife

If you're familiar with Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you'll know that San Cristobal de La Laguna is the second largest town on the island of Tenerife. Also known as "La Laguna" by the locals, the origins of this town go back a long way. In the days of the Guanches, the indigenous people of the Canary archipelago, San Cristobal de La Laguna was a place of pilgrimage. At that time, a lake stretched out where the present-day town stands. Settlers from Spain founded the town in 1496. It was the first capital of Tenerife and the Canaries until 1823. It was also the town where the island's first university, the University of La Laguna, was established on the initiative of the Catholic Church.

Today, although San Cristobal is no longer the capital of the archipelago, it is still considered the religious and cultural capital of Tenerife. Commonly known as the Cathedral of La Laguna, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Remedies is the diocese of Tenerife, otherwise known as the episcopal see of the Bishop of Tenerife. Perched 600 metres above sea level, it is the coldest city on the volcanic island.

The historic centre of San Cristobal resembles many colonial cities in Latin America. Indeed, La Laguna served as a model for the layout of cities such as Lima in Peru, Antigua in Guatemala and Havana in Cuba.

Colourful facades, wooden balconies and interior gardens litter the city's cobbled streets. In a style described as the "Florence of the Canary Islands", San Cristobal de La Laguna is a city of interesting and historic architecture. That's why, in 1999, the town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is home to most of the religious buildings built by Europeans, as well as a large number of convents.

La Laguna Cathedral, a monument built in 1515

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Remedies was built in 1515 by the settlers of Tenerife. Researchers believe that it was built on the site of a Guanche necropolis. Over the years, it was enlarged and transformed, while some parts were demolished. It was completely renovated in the early 2000s.

Today, the white façade of the exterior contrasts with the grey stonework and solid wooden doors in a perfect balance. This spectacular church is part of the religious heritage of the Canary Islands. Its neo-Gothic style and concrete cross reach heights of over 40 metres. Inside, remarkable marble works and sculptures in the nine decorated chapels invite visitors to contemplate the impressive craftsmanship of the period.

Opening times

Notre-Dame des Remèdes cathedral is open from 9.30 am to 6 pm, every day except Sunday.

Admission

Admission to the cathedral is free.

Teatro Leal for architecture lovers

The Teatro Leal was built in 1915. We recommend that you take a look at the Teatro Leal's official programme and why not go and see a play or listen to an opera in this historic building.

Opening times and prices

Times and prices depend on the performance. Prices are available on the theatre's website.

The plaza del Adelantado for observing life on the island

This square in the centre of the old quarter of San Cristobal de La Laguna is the heart of the town. Surrounded by the town hall, the covered market and the Nava palace, it is shaded and offers visitors a little respite from Tenerife's sunny days.

We recommend a coffee and a slice of cake or pie at La Perla Del Caribe, a restaurant bordering the square.

The Nava Palace and its typical Tenerife architecture

The Nava Palace is one of La Laguna's most emblematic buildings. It is an example of Canarian architecture, combining Baroque, neoclassical and Mannerist elements. It took over 200 years to build, and was last renovated in the 1700s. For this reason, the building displays a variety of styles inspired by the last few centuries, and the lichens on the basalt stones still bear witness to the passage of time.