Casa Mesa

Casa Mesa is a historic townhouse in La Cuesta, a district of San Cristóbal de La Laguna on Tenerife, built in the mid-18th century by the Mesa family — descendants of the Spanish conquistadors who received large land grants on the island after its conquest. The building sits within La Laguna's UNESCO World Heritage historic ensemble and stands out as one of the better-preserved examples of Canarian residential architecture from before the island's tourism era.

What's the history behind the building?

The stone facade dates back to the house's original construction, though the building underwent a historicist-style remodel in the early 20th century, adding some of the decorative details visible today. Its most striking feature is a marble coat of arms crowning the facade, belonging to the Mesa family. The crest references two titles granted to the family — the marquisate of Torre Hermosa (17th century) and Casa Hermosa (18th century) — and carries the date 1599, commemorating Captain Lope de Mesa's role in defending Gran Canaria against an attack by the Dutch privateer Pieter van der Does, an episode tied to the broader story of island defense during that period.

What will you actually see there?

The facade itself is the main draw: a plain stone elevation topped by the family crest, typical of 18th-century Canarian residential architecture, where wealthy settler families signaled status through carved stonework rather than an ornate overall structure. Look closely at the proportions of the windows and entrance portal — characteristic of the merchant-gentry housing style common on the island at the time. During the 20th century the building served as a school (known locally as the former Nava La Salle school), a chapter that shaped its role in the community for decades — many residents of La Cuesta associate Casa Mesa as much with education as with the Mesa family's history.

How do you get there?

La Cuesta sits within San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife's second-largest city, well connected to the rest of the island via the Tranvía de Tenerife tram line linking La Laguna with Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The tram or a local bus followed by a short walk through the historic quarter is the easiest way in — streets in this part of town are narrow and densely built, which makes walking the most practical way to explore. Drivers will find parking near central La Laguna, a short walk from the historic core.

When's the best time to visit?

Tenerife enjoys mild weather year-round, but San Cristóbal de La Laguna sits at a higher elevation than the coastal resorts and tends to be cooler and windier — worth packing a light jacket even in summer. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for walking around the historic district, with moderate temperatures and fewer crowds than during peak holiday season. There's no ticket or booking needed to see the facade — it's a spot to take in on foot as part of a walk through the old town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside Casa Mesa? The building previously operated as a school, and public access today is limited — it's best treated as a facade to admire from the street while exploring the historic streets of La Cuesta and La Laguna.

Where does the name come from? It comes from the Mesa family, descendants of the conquistadors who settled on Tenerife after its conquest and received land and noble titles here, symbols of which still appear on the coat of arms above the door.

What does the coat of arms represent? It combines the symbolism of the family's two titles — marquis of Torre Hermosa and Casa Hermosa — and references 1599, the year a member of the family took part in defending Gran Canaria against a corsair raid.

Are there other historic sights nearby? Yes — La Cuesta and the adjoining historic center of San Cristóbal de La Laguna form a UNESCO-listed area packed with townhouses and churches from a similar period, making it easy to pair a visit to Casa Mesa with a longer walk through the old town.