Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Laguna

Catedral de San Cristobal de La Laguna (San Cristobal de La Laguna Cathedral) is a Neoclassical building mostly built between 1904 and 1915 in Tenerife, Spain. However, the site of Catedral de San Cristobal de La Laguna has a history dating to the sixteenth century, when a church was first built there.

History of Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Laguna

Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Laguna is one of the most important churches of the Canary Islands. It is located in the historic centre of the city of La Laguna, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

The cathedral contains elements of several architectural styles including Neoclassical and Neo-Gothic. The most prominent and representative features of the cathedral’s external architecture are its Neoclassical façade, which was inspired by the Cathedral of Pampalona, and the dome, which is prominent on the city skyline.

There is evidence that the site has been built upon from at least 1511, when a hermitage was erected on the site. The whole area seems to have functioned as a Guanche necropolis.

This chapel was replaced in 1515 with a construction in the Mudejar architectural style, and since then, has undergone a number of changes, with a main chapel, altar, stands, tabernacle, door of the sacristy, and transept being added.

The facade of the building was rebuilt in a neoclassical style in 1820, with the present Neo-Gothic building and dome being constructed between 1904 and 1915 as part of a restoration and transformation project.

From 2002, the tower was originally closed for a few years for restoration, but due to bureaucratic differences, remained closed for more than a decade. The cathedral’s doors finally reopened in January 2014, and is a popular tourist attraction in La Laguna’s historic centre.

Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Laguna Today

Access to the cathedral is $5, but includes an excellent audio guide in a range of languages. There is a regular programme of church services.

Getting to Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Laguna

The Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a 9 minute drive from the centre of La Laguna. Equally, it is a 3 minute walk through the colourful streets and sites of the UNESCO World Heritage city centre. From Tenerife, the cathedral is reachable in around 20 minutes via the TF-5, or in just under half an hour via the 102, 103, 105, and 108 buses. For those who are more adventurous travellers, the cathedral is reachable in around 2 hours when walking from Tenerife via the Av. de los Menceyes.