Right in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz, on the island of Tenerife,San Francisco Church is a unique building. Its sober, white facade, typical of Canarian architecture, features two entrance doors: one for the church proper on the left, the other for theSan Juan Bautista Hermitage on the right.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit toSan Francisco Church and San Juan Bautista Hermitage Chapel in Puerto de la Cruz.
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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Is a visit to San Francisco Church worthwhile?
Yes, San Francisco Church is well worth a visit. Situated 2 steps from the Plaza del Charco, this is the city’s oldest church. It dates back to the 16th century. But what really appealed to us was its double nave-and-a-half structure. It is in fact annexed to the Chapel of the San Juan Bautista Hermitage.
One of the most beautiful buildings in Puerto de la Cruz (article coming soon)
What you can see
Place Victor Perez
Plaça Victor Pérez is located in the historic center of Puerto de la Cruz. We really enjoyed this little flower-filled square in the heart of the city center and pedestrian zone. San Francisco Church and the adjacent San Juan Bautista Hermitage overlook this square.
The two entrance gates on the façade
The façade features two portals. One is the church, the other the hermitage. Both are made of volcanic stone and reflect the robust character of Canarian architecture. They stand out perfectly against the white plaster.
The wooden doors are splendid. The ones in the church are beautifully carved, which we particularly liked.
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.
A double nave
This is undoubtedly what surprised us most when we entered the church. On the left, the nave ofSan Francisco Church is deeper. On the right, the Chapel of the San Juan Bautista Hermitage is smaller. The two naves are connected by arches.
The great nave of San Francisco Church
The nave is not very wide. All the more profound for it. The all-wood ceiling plunges the room into darkness, contrasting with the brightness of the choir at the far end, which benefits more from natural light.
Carved gilded wood altarpieces
The altarpiece in the choir of San Francisco Church is a colorful work of art. It is made of carved and painted wood. The bright colors and arabesque gilding were almost fairytale-like. Other, less imposing altarpieces are worth a closer look.
Mudejar coffered ceilings
As in many buildings in the Canary Islands, the Mudejar coffered ceilings in the choir of San Francisco Church, and in the San Juan Bautista Chapel, forced us to look up to admire them.
San Juan Bautista Chapel
This is the chapel of the San Juan Bautista Hermitage. It is smaller and shallower, about half the size of the nave of the adjacent church. It is, however, just as richly decorated , and we really appreciated this cocoon which further encourages contemplation.
A huge altarpiece
To the right of the nave, we admired a huge, richly decorated altarpiece. Sculptures, paintings and gilding are sublimely arranged to cover an entire wall, which shines with a thousand lights.
A pensive Christ
In the middle of the chapel’s choir altarpiece, a pensive Christ in a bluish alcove intrigued us. This is the Christ of Mercy. It dates back to the 18th century. Here again, the colors and gilding are enchanting.
WHERE TO STAY IN Puerto de la Cruz
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Right in the center
Hotel AF Valle Orotava – Check photos and availability
Near the beach
Hotel AluaSoul Orotava Valley – Check photos and availability
On the heights
Hotel Botanica y Oriental Spa – Check photos and availability.
Atlantic Mirage Suites & Spa Hotel – Check photos and availability
Tigaiga Suites apartments – Check photos and availability.
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Puerto de la Cruz.
San Francisco Church in Puerto de la Cruz: how to get there
Where to find the church
- In the historic center of Puerto de la Cruz
- Place Victor Perez
- 2 steps from Plaza del Charco
Access by car and parking
If you’re coming by car, there are several parking lots nearby. We had left our car on theExplanada del Muelle, a 5-minute walk from the church.
Public transport access
The Plaza del Charco bus stop is less than a 2-minute walk away. Find out more here.
Visiting difficulties
We have not identified any particular difficulties in accessing the church. There was an access ramp via the San Juan Bautista chapel.
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
Visiting San Francisco Church: useful tips
Schedules and prices
Admission to San Francisco Church is free.
However, times may vary according to religious services. We recommend consulting local information before travelling. Find out more here.
How long
The tour of the church can last from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your pace and interest in the architectural details.
Best moment
To enjoy a quieter atmosphere, we recommend visiting the church in the morning, before the influx of visitors.
Direction of visit
There’s no imposed meaning. We started by exploring the nave of San Francisco Church before moving on to the adjacent chapel, but you can do the opposite.
Eating out
The church is right in the center of town, with many restaurants around it.
Our article on the best restaurants in Puerto de la Cruz will be available soon.
Hotels
You’re right in the center of Puerto de la Cruz. See our selection of the best hotels in the city.
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
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
