Cathedral of La Laguna

The Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna (Santa Iglesia Catedral de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios) is a Catholic cathedral in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife — the seat of the local bishop and one of the most important religious buildings in the Canary Islands. It stands in the heart of the old town, a district inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as a model example of colonial urban planning.

Where exactly is it?

The cathedral sits in the historic centre of La Laguna, Tenerife's second-largest city, a short distance from Santa Cruz de Tenerife and close to Tenerife North Airport. The surrounding old town is a dense grid of colonial-era streets, squares and stone houses with wooden balconies — a layout later used as a blueprint for many cities across Spanish America, which is the main reason the centre of La Laguna was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1999.

What is the history behind it?

The building grew out of a modest parish church dedicated to Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, established soon after the town itself was founded at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. As La Laguna became the first administrative and religious capital of Tenerife following the Spanish conquest, the church gained in importance until it was elevated to cathedral status and made the seat of the island's diocese. The structure has been reworked several times over the centuries; the version visitors see today, with its distinctive dome and neoclassical facade, dates largely from a major rebuilding carried out around the turn of the 20th century, when the earlier structure needed extensive reconstruction.

What will you find inside?

The interior is dominated by a wide space beneath a large dome, a landmark visible from many points across the old town and one of the symbols of La Laguna. Inside rests the tomb of Alonso Fernández de Lugo, the conquistador who led the conquest of Tenerife and founded La Laguna as its first capital — a detail that turns the cathedral into a reference point for the history of the whole island, not just a place of worship. The furnishings mix periods: older altarpieces sit alongside the more austere, classical lines introduced during the last major renovation.

How do you get there?

The easiest way to reach La Laguna is the tram from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which connects the two cities and stops just outside the old town, a few minutes' walk from the cathedral. Drivers should look for parking on the edge of the centre, since much of the old town itself is pedestrianised or has heavily restricted traffic. From Tenerife North Airport, the drive takes only a short while.

When is the best time to visit?

Tenerife's mild climate makes the cathedral worth visiting at any time of year. If you want a quiet look at the interior, it helps to avoid mass times — check the schedule posted at the entrance before going in. Early morning, before the old town fills with visitors, is the best time for photographing the facade and dome without crowds.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the cathedral free? Visiting during religious services is free; entering outside those hours may involve a small fee that goes toward the building's upkeep, so it is worth checking on site.

How much time should I set aside? Seeing the interior itself takes about 20–30 minutes, but it is worth allowing extra time to explore the surrounding old town.

Is the cathedral part of the UNESCO site? Yes, it stands within the historic centre of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Who is buried inside the cathedral? The tomb of Alonso Fernández de Lugo, the conquistador and founder of the city, is located here.