Visiting Santa Cruz de Tenerife? Don’t miss a visit to the Church of Our Lady of Conception, also nicknamed Santa Cruz Cathedral by the locals! The town’s main temple, it is a remarkable example of Canary architecture and the Baroque style. We particularly liked its white facade contrasted with dark stonework.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a great 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.
Content
Why visit Our Lady of Conception Church?
Is the religious building worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, the Church of Notre-Dame de la Conception is well worth a visit! As the main place of worship in Santa Cruz, it is one of the most important monuments to visit in the capital of Tenerife. We were seduced by both its exterior architecture and its richly decorated interiors. It has a special atmosphere that invites contemplation and meditation. In our opinion, it’s one of the best activities in town!
Why is the church famous?
The Church of Our Lady of the Conception is closely linked to the history of the conquest of Tenerife. One of the first churches to be built on the island around 1500, it carefully preserves the Holy Cross, a major historical symbol. Its architectural importance and rich past have earned it the status of a site of cultural interest.
Our favorite moments
Here are the 3 most memorable moments of our visit:
- Overview of the central nave
- Discover the magnificent Mudejar coffered ceilings
- Contemplating the iconic bell tower that stands out in Santa Cruz’s urban landscape
Visit Santa Cruz Cathedral and the historic center with a local guide!
History in brief
Here’s an outline of the church’s history in a few key periods and dates:
- 15th century: construction of the first chapel by Spanish conquistadors under the orders of Alonso Fernández de Lugo
- 1652: major fire followed by restoration with Mudéjar crosspieces from Andalucia and Portugal
- 17th century: expansion of the church thanks to the economic boom in Santa Cruz
- 18th century: considered “the parish’s golden century” by writer Sebastián Padrón Acosta
- Today: a symbol of local religious heritage
For more historical details, visit the official website here.
Access: Church of Our Lady of the Conception, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Where is Santa Cruz Cathedral?
- In the capital of the island of Tenerife,
- Right in downtown Santa Cruz,
- At the Plaza de la Iglesia
- Along the Barranco de Santos
- Near the Museum of Nature and Archaeology
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?
The church is within easy walking distance of the town center, or can be reached by public transport:
- By bus: “La Concepción” stop (line 919) in the immediate vicinity. Find out more here.
- By streetcar: “Fundación” stop (line 1) just a few steps away. Find out more here.
Parking
Although the church doesn’t have its own parking lot, you can park in the Parking du Marché, a 7-minute walk away.
DISCOVER Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
We recommend visiting outside the summer season (July, August) and school vacations. This way, you can avoid the busiest periods in Santa Cruz. Mornings are best for enjoying the tranquility of the site and its spiritual atmosphere without being disturbed. We encourage you to consult the mass schedules here to avoid disrupting the premises during religious services.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 30-45 minutes to explore the entire building.
The church is relatively easy to navigate, with its wide aisles and smooth floor, but note the presence of a few steps at the entrance, which can be a problem for people with reduced mobility.
Advice on how to visit
We recommend you start by admiring the exterior of the church. Observe its Canarian and Tuscan architecture. Then enter the building and take time to contemplate the nave from the entrance. Explore the aisles at your leisure, and discover the side chapels hidden behind dark stone columns. Finish your visit by observing the high altar and its precious altarpieces!
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you’d like to be notified when our guide to the Canaries is published, please subscribe:
Visiting with children
The site is not especially suitable for children, as it has no dedicated facilities or activities.
Schedules and rates
The church is open daily from 8:30am to 1pm and from 5:30pm to 8pm. Admission is free.
Guided tour
Visit Santa Cruz Cathedral and the historic center with a local guide – see activity details here!
Catering
Numerous restaurants, bars and cafés surround the church. We particularly recommend Restaurant Labeche, a 3-minute walk away, which is one of our favorite culinary addresses in the historic district.
A bell tower that dominates the rooftops of Santa Cruz
The steeple of Notre-Dame de la Conception church is undoubtedly the most striking feature of its exterior architecture. We appreciated the striking contrast between its white façade and the dark basalt stones that adorn it. As you wind your way through the cobbled streets of the historic center, you’ll catch a glimpse of its majestic summit.
The triumph of Churrigueresque Baroque
Churrigueresque style, a Spanish variant of Baroque art characterized by abundant ornamentation, is fully expressed in this church. We spent long moments observing the main altarpiece, a true masterpiece teeming with subtle, refined details. The main altar, presided over by a remarkable statue, will impress you with its rich decoration. You’ll discover one of Tenerife’s finest examples of Baroque art through the meticulous ornamentation that adorns the entire building.
The omnipresence of wood
Wood plays a key role in the church’s architecture, both inside and out. First, we admired the traditional Canarian wooden balconies that adorn the facade, a testament to local craftsmanship. Inside, you’ll be struck by the solemnity of the rows of dark wooden benches. The magnificently carved ceiling demonstrates the mastery of the craftsmen of the time in woodworking.
The magnificent Mudejar ceilings
When we looked up during our visit, we discovered some superb Mudejar coffered ceilings. We were particularly impressed by their originality. They bear witness to the influence of Muslim craftsmen, known as “mudéjars”, on Christian art. We were fascinated by this form of hybridization between Islamic and Christian artistic traditions, which adds a unique touch to the building. This fusion of styles perfectly illustrates the rich architectural heritage of the Canary Islands.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Amusement parks
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife (coming soon)
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava (coming soon)
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
