If you plan to spend a few days in La Laguna during your stay in Tenerife, we recommend a visit to theSanto Domingo de Guzmán church. Its discreet façade is deceptive, but its interior design is full of wonderful surprises. It was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1986.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit toSanto Domingo de Guzmán Church in La Laguna.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Is a visit to Santo Domingo de Guzmán worthwhile?
Yes, the church is well worth a visit. It dates back to the 16th century. We really liked the dark bell tower with its 3 bells , which stands out from the sober facade and joins the adjoining Dominican convent. Inside, the walls are covered with impressive frescoes and murals, and the coffered ceilings are a thing of beauty.
What you can see
The double facade and its bluestone bell tower
The facade of the church astonished us. Simple and luminous, it is double, with two distinct roof lines, each corresponding to the interior naves. The volcanic blue stone bell tower stands out, joining the convent’s ochre facade.
Frescoes by Mariano de Cossio
As we entered the church, our eyes were drawn to the frescoes painted on the walls of the main nave. They cover them almost entirely. They were created more recently, in the mid-20th century, by Valladolid-born Spanish painter Mariano de Cossio.
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
The 2 symmetrical naves
In the extension of the two facades, we found two symmetrical naves, typical of Canary Island architecture.
The partition wall adorned with painted motifs
On the main nave side, the dividing wall is also painted, around the semicircular arches. These paintings complement the religious themes on the opposite wall.
The wooden ceiling in the main nave
Looking up, we noticed the alignment of the wooden ceiling beams. The murals rise up to him, between the stained-glass windows.
Privateers’ tombstones
We noticed many tombstones on the church floor. Some, in addition to the family shield, bear thepirate emblem, a skull with two crossed bones.
The high altar in embossed silver
The focal point of the main nave, the choir is marked by a gigantic high altar. We were intrigued by the invoice. It is made of embossed silver. It serves as a showcase for a radiant Virgin in her gilded alcove.
The painted side chapels
The walls of the side chapels are also painted. They further enhance the carved altarpieces and coffered ceilings, typical of the Canary architecture we love so much.
A family tree of ecclesiastical lineages
In one of the side chapels, we lingered in front of a gigantic painted family tree representing ecclesiastical lineages.
Painted coffered ceilings
Just above the family tree, we admired the painted motifs on the coffered ceiling.
Decorated wooden altarpieces
The Santo Domingo de Guzmán church boasts a number of carved wooden altarpieces. All are richly decorated with paintings and sculptures, and some are painted with colorful gold motifs.
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Santo Domingo de Guzmán church in La Laguna: how to get there
Where is the Church?
- The church is located at the eastern end of the historic heart of San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it’s a 15-minute drive.
- The church is a 2-minute walk from Plaza del Adelantado.
Access by car and parking
Finding parking in La Laguna can be tricky, especially in high season. We had left our car at the Parking Aparcamiento Adelantado, a 4-minute walk from the Santo Domingo de Guzmán church. It’s free and open 24 hours a day.
Find all our practical tips for renting a car in Tenerife. They are based on our experience.
Public transport access
A bus network exists in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, but you’ll be more limited in terms of timetables and possibilities for getting around. Find out more here.
Visiting difficulties
- We didn’t notice any specific difficulties accessing the church. The cement tile floor is particularly smooth, and the step to the entrance gate had been landscaped.
- San Cristóbal de La Laguna was voted Europe’s most accessible city and received theAccess City Award 2024.
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
Useful tips for visiting Santo Domingo de Guzmán church
Schedules and prices
We paid 2 euros for a combined visit to the Torre de la Concepción.
The church is open every day.
See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
Allow 10min to 30min for your visit, depending on your level of interest.
Best moment
We advise you to visit in the morning, and to check the times of religious services. Find out more here.
Direction of visit
There’s no set direction for the tour. You can wander freely and enjoy the beauty of the place.
Eating out
On a pedestrian street in the historic center, a 10-minute walk from the church, we stopped off at a coffee-shop, Restaurant Café-Café. It’s ideal for a quick, healthy vegetarian or vegan lunch break at a very reasonable price.
Hotels
We dedicated an article to the La Laguna Gran Hotel where we stayed during our stay. It’s a 5-minute walk from the church. It is housed in an 18th-century house. It combines colonial elegance with modern comfort. The rooftop pool offers panoramic views of San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
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SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
/seve
