Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion

Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion (Church of the Immaculate Conception) in La Orotava in Tenerife was built in the 18th century but its history dates back to the 16th century when a chapel was founded there.

Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion history

An impressive example of Baroque architecture the Church of the Immaculate Conception is an historic monument in northern Tenerife. The original chapel was built in 1516 and a proclamation ceremony for Charles V was held in that year. This chapel was extended several times yet a series of earthquakes that shook the Island in 1704 and 1705 left it in a state of disrepair.

Construction for the site as it stands began in 1768 and was completed in 1788. The rich decoration, an impressive example of Baroque stone Masonry, was crafted by La Orotava artist Patricio José García. The Baroque façade features elaborate stonework, whilst the inside of the building is in the neo-classical style, divided into three naves lined with ionic-based columns crowned by Corinthian capitals, each with different adornments. Twin bell towers stand at 24 metres and over the top is a lantern tower comprised of 16 faces.

The church was declared a National Historic Artistic Monument in 1948.

Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion today

This church is recognised as one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in the canary islands. Visitors can behold the striking stained glass windows and ornate structures. The interior is intricately decorated with features such as the ornate Churrigueresuque style altarpiece. Presiding over the main altar is a magnificent figure of La Inmaculada Concepción by the Orotavan artist Fernando Estévez.

The church preserves highly valuable elements of sacred art such as the work of the Canarian religious painters Miguel Arroyo, Luján Pérez, Rodríguez de la Oliva, González de Ocampo and Fernando Estévez.

There is a museum attached to the church that visitors can enter for a small fee that displays artefacts spanning 500 years of history. The interior is peaceful and beautiful. The collection of sacred art includes furniture, paintings, musical instruments and ornaments. Highlights include two canvases by Juan de Miranda and an organ that was made in London in 1862.

Getting to Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion

The church is situated in La Orotava, close to a major road and the surrounding area offers a variety of restaurants and cafes. It is around 25 minutes drive from Tenerife Norte airport.