Church of San Lázaro, San Cristóbal de La Laguna

The Church of San Lázaro, in San Cristóbal de La Laguna on Tenerife, is one of the oldest places of worship in the island's former capital, and it carries official protection as part of the Canary Islands' cultural heritage. It stands in the Taco area, along the old route that once connected La Laguna with La Orotava.

How did the church come about?

The earliest, very modest place of worship dedicated to San Lázaro was raised in the early 16th century by farming families from the nearby La Cruz Grande district. That first, rustic chapel actually stood on a different spot, along the old road toward La Orotava. Because it was in such poor condition, the site of worship was moved to its present location — sources place this move somewhere between 1510 and 1535 — on the initiative of governor Pedro de Vergara, who held office until 1525.

Why is the church dedicated to San Lázaro specifically?

The choice of patron saint was far from random. In Canarian religious tradition, Saint Lazarus — often invoked together with Saint Roch — was regarded as the protector of people suffering from leprosy, as well as of hospitals and children. Churches under his name were typically built away from a town's main built-up area, closer to where the sick were once cared for, which explains the church's historically peripheral position relative to central La Laguna.

How has the building changed over the centuries?

The church has been substantially rebuilt more than once. In the mid-17th century a new structure had to replace the earlier one, which had fallen into disrepair; the rebuilding was funded by a descendant of the Vergara family. Another major reconstruction followed in 1861, again because the previous building had deteriorated badly. As a result, the architecture visible today largely reflects that 19th-century rebuilding, even though worship on this site has continued without interruption since the early colonial period of the island.

What is the church's status today?

For centuries the site functioned as a chapel dependent on other La Laguna parishes. It gained standing as a branch of the Parish of La Concepción in 1963, and became a fully independent parish in 1975. In 2005, the church — together with its movable assets and immediate surroundings — was formally declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (Cultural Heritage Asset) with Monument status, confirming its historical importance for the region.

Are there traditional celebrations linked to the church?

Yes — for generations, the church has been the destination of a walking pilgrimage known as Viernes de Lázaro (Lazarus Friday), when families make their way there together with children. Rooted in the saint's traditional role as protector of the young, the custom remains one of the more vivid strands of local religious tradition in La Laguna.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the Church of San Lázaro located? It stands in the Taco area of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, on Tenerife, along the old route linking the historic town centre with La Orotava.

Why is the church dedicated to Saint Lazarus? In Canarian tradition, Saint Lazarus was regarded as the patron of people affected by leprosy, as well as of hospitals and children, which is why churches bearing his name were usually built away from a town's main centre.

When did the church become an independent parish? It became a fully independent parish in 1975, after functioning as a branch of the Parish of La Concepción from 1963.

Is the building protected as cultural heritage? Yes, since 2005 the church, its furnishings, and its surroundings have held Bien de Interés Cultural status with Monument category.