About this place
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación is the parish church of Haría, one of the most charming towns in northern Lanzarote, often called the "valley of a thousand palms". The church stands on the town's main square and has been the religious and architectural anchor of this part of the island for decades.
How old is the parish of Haría?
Christianity in Haría has very deep roots — the settlement is documented as a parish aid (ajuda de parroquia) as far back as 1561. The first temple dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación stood where the Ermita de San Juan is located today, not at the site of the present-day church.
Why did the church move location?
In 1618, Lanzarote suffered a devastating raid by Berber corsairs led by Tabac and Slimán. The attack severely damaged the church in Haría at the time, forcing its reconstruction on a new site — today's Plaza de Haría, where the church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación still stands. Construction of the new building began in 1672, since the earlier structure was at risk of collapse.
What happened to the old church building?
The earlier church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación in Haría had three naves. That building was demolished in 1962 to make way for the present temple. The solemn blessing of the new church took place on March 25, 1966 — the feast day of the Incarnation of the Virgin Mary, patroness of the parish.
What should visitors know when exploring Haría?
The church serves as a natural landmark for anyone strolling through Haría, a town known for its whitewashed houses, lush palm groves, and calm atmosphere — a striking contrast to the raw volcanic landscapes found elsewhere on the island. The square in front of the church is where local life unfolds, close to the Saturday craft market as well as the small cafés and shops lining the narrow streets.
It's worth remembering that the current building is actually the second church under this dedication in the parish's history — the first, damaged by the pirate attack, stood elsewhere, and its legacy is now tied to the nearby Ermita de San Juan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación the oldest church in Haría? Not in terms of the building itself — the current structure dates from the 1960s, while the parish as a religious institution has existed in Haría since 1561. The original temple stood elsewhere and was destroyed following a pirate raid in 1618.
Why was the church moved from its original location? After the damage caused by the raid led by Tabac and Slimán in 1618, reconstruction took place on a new site, the present-day Plaza de Haría, with construction beginning in 1672.
What happened to the previous church building? The earlier three-nave temple was demolished in 1962 due to its condition, and the current church was built in its place, blessed in 1966.
What is the significance of March 25 for the parish? It marks the feast of the Incarnation (Encarnación) of the Virgin Mary, patroness of the Haría parish — the same date on which the solemn blessing of the new church took place in 1966.
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