What to see in San Cristóbal de La Laguna
San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Cultural Heritage
The mix of old and new, the famous university life that makes the city shine, the emblematic monuments camouflaged among cultural buildings and historical squares that only give prestige to its name...
These are just some of the countless secrets hidden in the old capital of Tenerife, San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
Today, we will walk through its narrow streets to help you enter the tiny willows of a place that leaves nothing to be desired, whose history is reflected in the different corners that have accompanied us since the 15th century, as well as in the most recent ones worthy of the 21st century.
History of San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Founded in 1497 by Alonso Fernández de Lugo, La Laguna became the capital of the island of Tenerife thanks to its inland location, which isolated it from pirate attacks.
Its toponymy came from the lagoon next to the city, which soon dried up until it extended into what is now known as the Vega Lagunera.
Starting from the Plaza del Adelantado, the city began to develop its urban characteristics with perpendicular streets, typical of today's modern cities, mixed with narrower streets, characteristic of the old medieval cities.
This particularity of a modern city, which already characterised it at the end of the 16th century, was taken as an example for the development of new cities in North and South America, which is why UNESCO decided to declare it a World Heritage Site.
Over the years, La Laguna became less and less important as a result of the increasingly prosperous urbanisation of the neighbouring city of Santa Cruz. It lost the island's capital under Ferdinand VII.
Later, in 1927, an event took place that was to prevent the rest of the municipalities from being able to compete with it despite its growing development: the first university of the Canary archipelagowas established here.
Nowadays, La Laguna is probably the favourite city for leisure in the metropolitan area. Its narrow streets for strolling, its wide squares for children to spend hours playing and for adults to sit on a bench and let time go by, the variety of cafés, bars and restaurants that can make anyone dizzy, the eternal nightlife, and its wide variety of restaurants, bars and cafés that can make anyone dizzy.
La Laguna may no longer be the capital of Tenerife, but its position as one of the top destinations in the north of the island is still intact.
What to visit in San Cristóbal de La Laguna
PLAZA DEL ADELANTADO (SQUARE OF THE ADELANTADO)
The development of this city began to spread from the Plaza del Adelantado, making it the ideal place to start the route.
Alonso Fernández de Lugo decided to build his second home in this square, and although it has gone through different names, histories and hypotheses, it is still known today as the Adelantado.
This place is surrounded by emblematic, public and historical buildings such as the Town Hall, the Courts or the Hermitage of San Miguel, as well as the Convent of Santa Catalina, whose balcony takes all the limelight for being the perfect place to see without being seen. In addition, the centre of the square is adorned with a marble fountain from Marseilles.
The different historical sources record the history of this place. In them, it can be seen how the original layout of the streets and the boundaries that define them, have remained almost intact over the years.
CALLE HERRADORES
We move on to Calle Herradores, one of the most attractive streets in La Laguna, which also starts at the Plaza del Adelantado.
The importance of mentioning it on this route is that, as soon as we leave the square, we can see the most outstanding stately homes in the city, which were once inhabited by merchants and nobles.
These include the Casa del Corregidor, the residence of the civil governor, the Casa de la Alhóndiga, the prison and barracks of the Civil Guard, and the Casa Alvarado Brahacamonte, with a façade painted in intense yellow colour.
From the latter you can access the Tourist Office of La Laguna, an ideal place to visit if you want to gather information or sign up for one of the guided tours they offer.
SAINT AUGUSTINE STREET
One of the advantages of La Laguna is that, walking aimlessly or not, you will end up on a pedestrian street that will leave you spellbound by all it has to offer.
In this case, we turn towards Calle San Agustín, which, according to many, is one of the most beautiful and impressive streets in the whole city.
This street is also home to several stately homes, some of which have been converted into museums or the headquarters of various La Laguna authorities.
Among them, the Casa Salazar, a building in the Canarian Baroque style, which was the residence of the family that gave it its name, is particularly noteworthy.
This place went from function to function, from a landmark house, to a casino, to nowadays the Episcopal residence.
Its gates are open to visitors, and as soon as we cross them, we can see a simple courtyard with a fountain, which leads to another courtyard full of flowers and tropical plants.
Here you can see one of the most beautiful Canarian balconies in the city.
MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ANTHROPOLOGY OF TENERIFE
Just a few steps away from the Episcopal Palace, and on Calle San Agustín itself, we find this museum which occupies the Casa Lercaro and the Casa Saavedra.
Although the courtyards and staircases have been restored, this place gives us the perfect opportunity to glimpse the interior of a Canarian Renaissance house thanks to the fact that it still maintains its structure and many original elements.
CHURCH OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LOS DOLORES
Another example of the history that enriches Calle San Agustín.
It is the church descending from the city's first hospital of the same name, and is very easy to spot thanks to the yellow colour of its walls, and the iconic carved doorway leading into the church.
Currently, the part that corresponds to the hospital is now the Adrián Alemán Municipal Library and both (the church and the hospital) were declared of Cultural Interest by the Government of the Canary Islands.
to follow on your holidays?
Don't miss the World HeritageExperience : guided tour of La Laguna and tapas tasting
Are you passionate about the history and culture of the Canary Islands? We propose a perfect author's senda to get to know the only city in the Canary Islands declared a World Heritage Site.
If you want to live a unique and environmentally friendly experience, and also discover La Laguna combining its jewels: its heritage, its culture, its architecture and its gastronomy, book your place for a guided tour through the historic centre of La Laguna.
ST. CHRISTOPHER'S CATHEDRAL
This Holy Church dates back to the 16th century, but it was not until 1819 that it became a cathedral.
The appearance we can see today is due to the reconstruction that was carried out in the 20th century, the only element that remains from the primitive factory being its large neoclassical façade.
It was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1983, and its interior reveals the neo-Gothic style through its ribbed vaults. It has very important works such as the Baroque altarpiece of the Virgen de los Remedios or the monumental pulpit made of Italian marble, without forgetting the rich heritage and artistic wealth of its great Treasure Room.
CHURCH OF OF OUR LADY OF CONCEPTION
The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción is the matrix of all the cathedrals created from the 16th century onwards.
In 1948, this place was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument thanks to its characteristic layout of Canarian temples, with three naves and semicircular arches. However, the deterioration of time took its toll, causing the collapse of several of its naves, and it was not rebuilt until 1974.
Today, it has become the most representative symbol of La Laguna. The temple treasures a rich artistic heritage. In addition, the pulpit, a baroque piece carved in wood at the end of the 18th century, stands out and is considered to be an unsurpassable jewel of its kind.
The story goes that it was brought by the first Adelantado to baptise the first Guanches of Tenerife, and it is believed that, when La Laguna was first built in this area, the Adelantado's first home was the yellow house just behind the church.
THE LEAL THEATRE
Characterised by its clearly eclectic style, it is particularly notable for its façade and the profusion of floral elements, animals and characters created by López Ruiz.
The interior of the Teatro Leal is worth talking about for a whole lunch. In 1917, the artistic ornaments that decorate the upper gallery were made, as well as the four decorative motifs that correspond to the entrance doors of the place.
In 1931 a series of alterations took place in which bas-relief busts were added, but the most visually impressive feature is on the first floor, where five semicircular arched doors open.
This represents a significant modification with respect to the main project, with the three most important ones in the central body of the building, and the other two on the sides.
The peculiarity of the theatre's internal and external design has ensured that it has been used for several shows, as well as the well-deserved recognition it has earned for its role as the venue for the first film screenings in La Laguna.
THE CHRIST'S SQUARE
One end of the historic city centre that served as the boundary between the urban and rural parts of the municipality.
It is also known as Plaza de San Francisco due to the existence of the convent of the same name in 1506, but it is commonly known as Plaza del Cristo thanks to the important presence of the Real Santuario del Cristo de La Laguna (Royal Sanctuary of Christ of La Laguna) in one of its corners.
This square underwent a series of alterations throughout its existence. In the 19th century, it had a central shrine and a series of black poplars as its only decoration, which were replaced in 1922 by another shrine due to deterioration.
In 1935, another reinforced concrete temple was started to commemorate the Santo Cristo during the September festivities, which coexisted for some years with its predecessor.
In 1962, following a project by the engineer Carlos Días López, a luminous fountain was installed for public lighting, made of artificial stone, and shortly afterwards, in 1998, an underground car park was built, the fountain was removed and the area was resurfaced with Catalan flagstones.
As we can see, the Plaza del Cristo has a history of its own that few areas of La Laguna can empathise with, making it a must for anyone strolling through the streets of the city.
Moreover, being away from the hustle and bustle of the historic centre will give you the opportunity to breathe much more peace and quiet away from the crowded main streets and passers-by.
LOCAL GUACHINCHES AND RESTAURANTS TO EAT AT THE LAGOON
Whether you are visiting La Laguna as a passing place, or if you plan to wander the streets aimlessly during your trip, you can spend a couple of hours in one of the restaurants, cafes or bars that this historic city has to offer.
So, here is a short list of places we recommend where you can decide whether your preference is for local cuisine, to play it safe in one of the restaurants or for a snack before you leave.
Tasca La Venta de La Esquina
Ten minutes from Avenida Trinidad, this bar/restaurant will please your palate with its homemade food like few other places have.
Headless horseman
Located in the best gastronomic street of La Laguna, the Headless Horseman is your best option if you are looking for a casual place, which in addition to the usual delicious and exquisite dishes, also offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
La Tasca de Cristian
Another place that can go unnoticed if you are not attentive to your surroundings. However, once you try the dishes this restaurant has to offer, you'll stop passing by and come back again and again.
World Café
A carrot cake to die for, accompanied by a vintage atmosphere thanks to the unique décor and charming, spacious courtyard of this café. With a variety of cakes to tempt you, and a menu specialising in Argentinian dishes, this place knows how to make a place for itself in our minds so that we have no choice but to repeat the visit.
Café 7
Another charming café that is especially popular among students. The long corridor at the entrance leads to a small bar with tables and a comfortable armchair, plus it has an even more spacious patio with different seating areas for you to choose from. It is above all a perfect place for a coffee and a chocolate dessert, but the tasting dishes on offer are not to be missed.
We know that the unique peculiarities of a city like La Laguna will leave their own mark on you, but here, we leave you with nine spectacular spaces that we believe will help you to live the full experience of a city as important as this one.
After all, its history, its streets, its houses and buildings, as well as its people, are the reason why it is considered a World Heritage Site.
Do you want to enjoy more amazing places in Tenerife?
If you are visiting Tenerife, you will be interested in more spectacular places to see around this Canary Island:
- What to see in La Villa de La Orotava
- What to see in Candelaria
- What to see in Puerto de La Cruz
- What to see in Icod de Los Vinos
- Seafaring village
