Casa Lercaro

Casa Lercaro is a 17th-century town mansion standing in the historic heart of La Orotava, Tenerife, officially protected as a heritage monument. Located at Calle Colegio 7, right among the old town's main squares, the building now leads a double life as both a preserved landmark and a working restaurant and decor shop.

What is the history behind this house?

The earliest records of Casa Palacio Lercaro date back to the mid-1600s, a period when noble families were putting down roots on the island following Spanish colonization. Over the generations the mansion passed through several prominent lineages — Ponte, Lugo, Grimaldi, Fonte and Rizo — and each left its mark on the building's architectural details. That succession of owners explains why the residence blends more than one stylistic layer into a single structure.

What will you see inside?

The house follows a distinctive U-shaped floor plan, with an east-facing wing whose second- and third-floor balconies carry Baroque-style ornamentation — among the better-preserved examples of Canarian residential architecture from the era. Inside, the courtyard and gardens are striking enough to have made the house a recurring choice for film and advertising crews looking for authentic period settings. The lower patio still holds a 16th-century hydraulic mill, once used for grinding gofio and powered by water channeled down from La Orotava's springs — a rare, tangible trace of the island's older economy still visible today.

How does Casa Lercaro function today?

The building now serves two purposes at once. Its inner courtyard hosts a restaurant serving Canarian and Mediterranean cuisine, with views stretching over the La Orotava valley toward Mount Teide and the sea — a rare pairing of a meal with one of the island's best outlooks. The restaurant opens Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00, and weekends from 10:00 to 18:00. Another section of the complex houses a home-decor store selling furniture, ceramics, glassware, carpets and gifts, including wedding registries, open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 19:00 and closed on Sundays.

How do you get there, and when should you visit?

Casa Lercaro sits within walking distance of La Orotava's main old-town landmarks, so it fits naturally into a stroll through the historic center — close to the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción and the famous balconies of Casa de los Balcones. Given the opening hours of the restaurant and shop, mornings or early afternoons work best, and weekdays help you avoid any weekend rush at the restaurant.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a reservation to visit Casa Lercaro? No — the building operates as an open retail and dining space, so browsing the shop and courtyard is free and unrestricted; a reservation only matters if you want a table at the restaurant.

How long does a visit take? A quick look at the courtyard and façade takes about 15–20 minutes; plan for longer if you're stopping for a meal.

Is it worth combining with other sights in La Orotava? Yes — the house sits right in the town center, so it naturally fits into any walk through the historic old town.

What makes this landmark stand out from other historic houses in La Orotava? The surviving 16th-century hydraulic mill in the lower patio is a rare feature among the town's mansions, as is the Baroque balcony detailing on the east-facing façade.