Planning to spend a few days in San Cristóbal de La Laguna on theisland of Tenerife? We recommend climbing to the top of the Torre de la Concepción. Right next to the church of the same name, this bell tower is emblematic of the town. Declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2012, it offers breathtaking views of the city’s narrow streets and surrounding mountains. On a good day, you can see as far as the neighboring island of Gran Canaria.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Why visit the Torre de la Concepción?
Is the tower worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, absolutely, the Torre de la Concepción in San Cristóbal de La Laguna is well worth a visit. There are several reasons for this:
- It’s an emblematic monument of La Laguna, aUNESCO World Heritage Site, and of the island of Tenerife. Built in the 17th century, the tower is a precious testimony to colonial history.
- The panoramic view from the top of the tower is breathtaking. We admired the colorful streets, the bell towers of other churches, the surrounding mountains and even the blue contours of Gran Canaria Island.
- A visit to the tower also provides an insight into thehistory of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a city that influencedcolonial urban planning in Latin America.
The Torre de la Concepción is a must-see for anyone wishing to discover Tenerife’s culture and heritage.
Why is the Torre de la Concepción famous?
The tower is of great historical value. Built in the 17th century, it is part of theChurch of La Concepción, one of the first to be erected in Tenerife after the Spanish conquest. It is emblematic of the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, aUNESCO World Heritage Site. The tower is its historic and spiritual heart.
The spectacular views from the top of the tower appeal to all visitors, and we were one of them. From its top floors, we could contemplate the roofs of La Laguna and the surrounding landscape. It’s probably the best place to find your way around the city.
Our favorite moments
We visited the tower in the middle of the afternoon on a cloudy December day. We were nevertheless able to enjoy:
- The impressive mass of the tower, its dark walls rising like a campanile at the end of the Plaza de la Concepción. It immediately catches the eye and imposes a kind of respect, an injunction to meditate.
- The oriel window on the second floor at the rear of the tower, above the entrance courtyard, is a glazed overhang typical of Canary architecture. It’s that little something extra that adds an extra touch of charm to the building.
- The Salle des Cloches on the 5th level of the tower, with its 360° view of the surrounding landscape. The presence of these imposing bronze “ladies” is in itself a spiritual experience.
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History in brief
During our visit, we learned that the present tower was built at the end of the 17th century, replacing an earlier one that had not withstood a severe storm. The earlier tower was lower, with a tiled roof, as in Andalucia.
The new tower was moved slightly so as not to use the existing foundations, which were deemed defective. It was built in two stages and crowned with an octagonal top. It is 28m high. Tuscan in style, it closely resembles the bell tower of Turin Cathedral in Italy.
Access: Torre de la Concepción, San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Where is the tower?
The Torre de la Concepción is located at Plaza de la Concepción, 38201 La Laguna, Tenerife.
- The tower is located in the historic heart of San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
- It adjoins theChurch of La Concepción.
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 15min drive
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.
How to get there?
To get to the Torre de la Concepción in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, you have several options:
- By car: we recommend that you leave your car in one of the city’s free parking lots and visit the historic center on foot. Find all our practical tips for renting a car in Tenerife. They are based on our experience.
- By bus: There is a bus network in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, but you’ll be more limited in terms of timetables and travel options. Find out more here.
- By streetcar: two lines connect the island’s main points of interest between Santa Cruz and La Laguna. Find out more here.
Parking
We had left our car at the Parking Aparcamiento Adelantado, a 10-minute walk from the Torre de la Concepción. It’s free and open 24 hours a day.
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
Our trip to Tenerife took place in winter, and even in the middle of the afternoon, we were able to visit the tower at our leisure. In high season, it’s probably best to plan an early-morning climb.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 15-20 minutes for your visit.
We counted around 100 steps, some of them quite high. Unfortunately, the configuration of the site does not make the visit possible for people with reduced mobility. And this despite the fact that San Cristóbal de La Laguna was voted Europe’s most accessible city and received theAccess City Award 2024.
Advice on how to visit
There’s only one way to visit: up, then down.
However, there are restrictions:
- The tower can accommodate no more than 39 people,
- Only 7 people per level,
- And 4 people at the same time on the top floor.
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Visiting with children
The tower is accessible to children. Nevertheless, it is 28m high and we counted around 100 steps. It’s best to make sure that children can climb to the top and are not afraid of heights. Be careful: the staircases are louvred, and once at the top, the bell tower is open to the four winds.
Schedules and rates
We paid 2 euros for a visit to the tower, combined with a visit to one of the city’s other monuments: Nuestra Señora de la Concepción Church, Santo Domingo de Guzman Church or Casa Salazar Obispado.
The Torre de la Concepción is open:
- Mondays from 10:00 to 14:00
- Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm.
For further details, contact theLa Laguna Tourist Office here or by telephone on (34) 922 25 86 40.
Catering
Our article on the best restaurants in San Cristóbal de La Laguna will be available soon.
An imposing exterior not to be missed
Arriving at the foot of the tower, we were struck by its imposing dark silhouette. It reminded us of Italian campaniles.
A building in the heart of the historic center
The tower occupies a central position. Its strategic location makes it a unique landmark and a symbol of the city. Located at the end of the northern flank of the Nuestra Señrora de la Concepción church, it closes the perspective of several streets and dominates the urban landscape. We noticed that it was visible from almost everywhere in the old town.
Dark volcanic stones
The bell tower was built using local volcanic stone, like that found in most colonial buildings in the Canary Islands. We liked their dark color, which contrasts with the colorful facades of the surrounding buildings. What’s more, they have a rough texture that reinforces the tower’s raw, imposing and austere appearance.
Climb the stairs to the top
Once inside, we began our ascent up the 28-meter tower to the top of the bell tower.
A traditional wooden structure
While the first steps to the second floor are made of stone, the rest of the tower’s staircase is made of wood. It has recently been restored. We loved the mix of wood and rough volcanic stone on each floor, typical of colonial buildings in the Canary Islands.
The floor is initially made of gray stone, then lightened to a wide strip wood parquet floor that adds warmth to the tower’s bare décor.
Five floors up to the Salle des Cloches
The staircase changes shape and structure to reach the top levels. We reached it via a spiral staircase. The steps are made of wood and rest on a metal support.
Access to the fifth-floor Salle des Cloches is extremely narrow. It is also protected by a glass cage that lets light through and prevents it from falling.
You can continue up to the sixth level, the octagonal top of the tower, via the same spiral staircase. We were content to admire the view from the fifth floor.
A carillon at the heart of the tower
Apart from the splendid view, it was the metallic mass of the bronze bells that impressed us most. They are strategically arranged to mark time and important events.
A set of 6 historic bells
While we noticed bells on the ground as we climbed the steps, we counted six bells in the bell tower. Each has a specific size and tone, and also a story to tell.
The two largest bells date from 1930. The smaller, older one dates from 1730. Two of the tower’s other bells are even older: 1724 and 1666. Another is more recent, dating back to 1976.
Sacred acoustics
The carillon of the Torre de la Concepción contributes to the city’s sound atmosphere. It plays an important role in daily life and religious celebrations. Its tinkling is an integral part of the city’s soundscape.
An unforgettable panoramic view
But beyond the bells, what struck us most was the view of San Cristóbal de La Laguna and the surrounding countryside.
360° view of the surrounding area
The view from the top of the tower is exceptional. You can admire the rectilinear layout of the streets and the construction of the roofs in the historic center, as well as the surrounding hills all the way to the ocean.
We were lucky in that, despite the clouds, we could make out the outline of Gran Canaria above the town, like a watercolor painting on the surface of the water.
A perfect location for memorable shots
Of course, the location is perfect for capturing beautiful images and memories. The panoramas are superb and offer many opportunities. We enjoyed playing with the tower’s structure and architectural details, especially the vaulted openings.
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SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
