In the north of the island of Tenerife, San Cristóbal de La Laguna was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1999 for being a unique example of an unfortified colonial city and it was also the first capital of the island, which made it the center of political, economic, and cultural power of the archipelago.
The University of La Laguna is one of the most emblematic institutions of this municipality, and a testament to the cultural importance of the city.
La Laguna is a meeting place for modern people and young students around its university, the first of the Canary Islands. The pedestrian streets of the center are always full of life, with street musicians and hundreds of taverns, restaurants, and bars. In its streets and squares, a notable number of churches and historic buildings of religious origin stand out, so La Laguna offers many possibilities for historical-artistic visits combined with a route through its typical tapas bars.
Its colonial architecture, the linear layout of its streets, which was carried out in the 15th century without external protection walls, and a large pedestrian commercial area give a distinctive mark to this venerable university city. Enjoying its historic streets is an unforgettable experience.
The visit to the historic center of La Laguna can start at Plaza del Adelantado. This is the geographical center of the city from the 15th century, when its churches and palaces concentrated political and ecclesiastical power along with the military, as there was a camp nearby.
In this square, you can now see the Hermitage of San Miguel, from 1506.
But, above all, the monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena, with its two exterior windows that will catch your attention, and the Palacio de Nava, which combines the Mannerist, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles.
If from there you take the street of Obispo Rey Redondo towards the Plaza de la Concepción, on the left side you will have a succession of historic buildings. Among them, the Casa del Corregidor, one of the oldest buildings in La Laguna, or the Casa de la Alhóndiga, built in 1705.
Other palaces you will see with their colorful and very well-kept facades are the Casa de los Capitanes Generales, so named for residing in it during the 18th century, or the Casa Mesa, whose facade highlights the family's coat of arms.
On this route, you will pass by the church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, from the 16th century, which was the cathedral of La Laguna in 1819. In the parallel street of San Agustín, the Palacio de Lercaro stands out, from the end of the 16th century, which is now the headquarters of the Museum of the History of Tenerife.
Next to it, you have the Casa Salazar, from the 16th century, the seat of the Bishopric until it suffered a fire in 2006.
And nearby you will find the building of the church and former Hospital of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, which was the first charitable center of the city in 1515.
Next to this building, you have the church and former convent of San Agustín, founded in 1506 by the Augustinians. Located next to a beautiful garden enclosure, the church suffered a fire in 1964, and is still pending restoration.
Finally, you will reach the Plaza del Doctor Olivera, where you find the church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción. The original parish dates back to the year 1511, although at the end of the last century, due to its great deterioration, a reconstruction was carried out. The most outstanding element of this church, one of the iconic monuments of La Laguna, is its tower from the end of the 17th century.
This is nothing more than a sample of the numerous monuments and palaces that you can see during a walk through La Laguna, a visit that you will be delighted with.