Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, Tijarafe

The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria is the parish landmark of Tijarafe, a small municipality on the western coast of La Palma in the Canary Islands. Standing at the heart of the village, it has anchored community life for centuries in a region known for its banana terraces and sweeping Atlantic views.

What is the history behind this church?

The site's religious roots go back to 1515, when a modest hermitage first stood here, followed by a baptistery recorded in 1571. Construction of the current building began in 1686 on a Latin-cross floor plan with a main nave and two side chapels — the date is still carved into a stone at the base of the bell tower. Building work continued through the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1660, King Felipe IV granted the parish a ninth ecclesiastical benefice, entitling it to a salaried chaplain, a sign of Tijarafe's growing standing within the island's church hierarchy. In 1996, the Canary Islands government listed the building as a Site of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural), formally recognizing its historical and artistic value.

What can you see inside and outside?

The church follows the Mudéjar style typical of the islands: a plain, single-nave structure without ornamental excess, yet with details that reward a closer look. Its most distinctive feature is the bell tower, built in pure Canarian style at the rear of the building, with an exterior staircase and balcony — an uncommon arrangement worth walking around to appreciate.

Inside, the main altarpiece by Antonio de Orbarán, dating from the first half of the 17th century, stands out as one of the notable works of Canarian Baroque, with carved detail typical of the island workshops of that era. The true centerpiece, however, is the parish's patron image: a 16th-century Flemish carving whose presence in the church has been documented since around 1530. That figure gives the building an unusual, wider-reaching story — Flemish religious sculpture reached the Canaries through the intense trade ties between the islands and the Low Countries in the early modern period.

How do you get there?

Tijarafe sits along the main road that runs down La Palma's west coast, between Los Llanos de Aridane and Puntagorda. The church stands right on the village's central square, making it an easy landmark to spot while exploring the area. A rental car is by far the most practical way to reach it, since public transport along this stretch of the island runs infrequently. Pair the visit with a short walk around the village and a stop at the nearby Time-Mirador viewpoint, which overlooks the ocean and cliffs.

When is the best time to visit?

The church is generally open in the morning and around mass times — it's worth checking current hours locally, since access outside services can be irregular. The best season for visiting La Palma runs from spring through early autumn, when conditions also favor hiking the surrounding trails. Morning visits are ideal, as the light falls best on the facade and tower at that hour.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church open to visitors every day? Opening hours are irregular; the church is most reliably accessible during morning hours and mass times, so it's best to check locally before visiting.

What is the most valuable artwork inside? The 17th-century altarpiece by Antonio de Orbarán and the 16th-century Flemish carving of the patron saint, documented in the church since around 1530.

Is the building officially protected as heritage? Yes, it has been listed as a Site of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) by the Canary Islands government since 1996.

How do you get to Tijarafe without a car? Public transport on La Palma's west coast is limited, so renting a car is the most practical option — rentals are widely available and affordable on the island.