Planning to explore the historic center of San Cristòbal de La Laguna, the Canary Islands’ first city? Don’t hesitate to push open the high doors of the town hall. The Casa de los Capitanes Generales, also known as Casa Alvarado Bracamonte, dates from the 17th century and houses the City Museum andTourist Office.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to the Casa de los Capitanes Generales 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 the Casa de los Capitanes Generales worthwhile?
Yes, the Casa de los Capitanes is well worth a visit. The building is one of La Laguna’s finest examples of civil architecture. Built in the 17th century on the orders of Captain General Diego de Alvarado-Bracamonte, it was the residence of the island’s Captains General until the end of the 18th century. It has two names: Casa Alvarado-Bracamonte and Casa de los Capitanes Generales, which are sometimes even joined together.
It has recently undergone a complete restoration and now houses the City Museum, the Tourist Office and the International Center for Heritage Conservation. The Casa de los Capitanes has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest.
What you can see
The facade’s typical colonial architecture
The façade of the Casa de los Capitanes Generales is characterized by the use of red volcanic stone, which frames the portal and windows. These are organized asymmetrically, typical of the building’s 17th-century construction period. Under the edge of the roof, we noticed the frieze ofesgrafiados, motifs that imitate a balustrade.
Entrance portal in red volcanic tuff rock
The house was built between 1624 and 1631. It is distinguished by its two-part entrance portal, made of red tufa stone probably quarried at Obispo de La Laguna. The lower body contains the access door. It is framed by sculpted bossed pilasters. The upper body intrigued us: it features a balcony surmounted by a broken pediment with a ball in its center.
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The azulejos in the entrance hall
We loved the azulejo patterns in the entrance hall. They give a particularly distinctive colonial touch to the building, and recall the Portuguese and Andalucia influences in Canary Island architecture. Azulejos are not only decorative, they also protect the walls from humidity and the passage of many visitors.
The verdant colonial patio
From the entrance hall, we discovered the patio. It’s a bright, central space, typical of colonial buildings. It is surrounded by finely carved wooden galleries. The patio is the heart of the house. It links the different spaces. Adorned with luxuriant plants, it’s also a particularly pleasant place to be green and cool.
Hexagonal fountain in grey stone
In the center of the patio, we really liked the hexagonal fountain. Made of volcanic stone, it is adorned with elegant decorative motifs and creates a refreshing, soothing atmosphere. In addition to its functional role, it adds a touch of charm to the architecture of the home.
Models of La Laguna’s main monuments
The Casa de los Capitanes Generales houses the City Museum. We were able to see models of the main buildings in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. These included the church and convent of San Agustin, the church and convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, and the Casas Consistoriales de San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
The glass galleries on the second floor
On the second floor, overlooking the patio, we admired the glass galleries emblematic of colonial architecture. Made of wood and closed by large windows, they offer a breathtaking view of the vegetation on two sides of the patio. Those at the Casa de los Capitanes have benefited from the building’s recent restoration. They’re gorgeous.
Carved woodwork in the passageways
We love the wooden elements of Canarian colonial architecture. The corridors of the Casa de los Capitanes did not disappoint. They extend over the other two sides of the patio and are adorned with finely sculpted balustrades. They are set against magnificent beamed ceilings.
The intricate details of the columns
All around the patio, we were impressed by the columns supporting the galleries on the second floor. Made of red volcanic tuff rock, like that seen around the façade openings, they have recently been restored and some replaced, identically.
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Casa de los Capitanes Generales in La Laguna: how to find us
Where is the Casa de los Capitanes Generales?
- Casa de Los Capitanes is located in the historic heart of San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it’s a 15-minute drive.
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 Casa de los Capitanes Generales. 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
Only the first floor is open to visitors. The official website states that it is accessible to PRMs. Find out more here.
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
Useful tips for visiting the Casa de los Capitanes Generales
Schedules and prices
Access to Casa de Los Capitanes is free of charge.
It’s open:
- October to June (except public holidays): Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm
- July to September (except public holidays): Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
Allow 30min to 1h for the visit, depending on your interest and your desire to learn more about the history of the building and the city.
Best moment
We recommend early morning visits.
Direction of visit
There’s no set way to visit. You can wander freely and enjoy the freshness of the place.
Eating out
On a pedestrian street in the historic center, a 5-minute walk from the Casa de los Capitanes, 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
To stay in the beautiful atmosphere of the Casa de los Capitanes, we stayed at theHotel La Laguna Gran, a 4-minute walk away. It’s housed in an 18th-century house that looks rather similar. It combines colonial elegance with modern comfort. The rooftop pool offers panoramic views of San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
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