CHURCHES
1. Templo Parroquial de San Sebastián, Agüimes
Plaza Nuestra Señora del Rosario
Follow the maze of cobbled alleys in Agüimes and eventually you’ll reach the magnificent Templo Parroquial de San Sebastián. A supreme example of Canarian Neo-Classical architecture, it has the air of a cathedral rather than a church. Although started in 1796, the church was not completed until 1940.
Templo Parroquial de San Sebastián
2. Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, Agaete
C/Juan Valls y Roca 1
The bright red dome crowning Agaete’s church sets it apart from other churches built in a similar Neo-Classical style.
3. Catedral de Santa Ana, Las Palmas
Extending across 7,000 sq m (75,350 sq ft), the capital’s cathedral is an impressive blend of architectural styles. Some important Luján Pérez sculptures and remnants of the original Gothic structure can be seen inside.
4. Basílica de San Juan Bautista, Telde
The façade of Telde’s main church is as forbidding as its heavy wooden door, evoking thoughts of medieval castles. Inside, a Flemish altarpiece, among the most precious works of art in the Canary Islands, outshines the main Baroque altarpiece. The figure of Christ was modelled from corn paste by Michoacan Mexicans in 1550.
5. Iglesia de la Candelaria, Ingenio
C/Hermanos Fullana 5
This 20th-century church features sculptures of San José and San Blás by Luján Pérez.
6. Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino, Teror
Rebuilt and renovated countless times, this immense basilica draws many pilgrims.
Lofty interior of Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino, Teror
7. Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, Moya
This large 20th-century church, with twin bell towers, is the focal point of sleepy Moya, but its most memorable feature is its vertiginous location, perched precariously atop a rugged ravine.
8. Parroquia de San Juan Bautista, Arucas
Behind the ornate façade of the island’s most striking church built largely from volcanic rock, lies an equally impressive interior full of sculptures, stained-glass windows and a grand altarpiece.
Parroquia de San Juan Bautista
9. Iglesia de Santa Lucía, Santa Lucía de Tirajana
Plaza de Santa Lucía
Built in 1905, this pretty church looks rather like a mosque, owing to its pronounced dome.
10. Iglesia de Santiago de los Caballeros, Gáldar
Plaza de Santiago
Unusually, this church was built in a blend of Baroque and Neo-Classical styles. Check out the pila verde (green font), allegedly where Canarians were baptized when the Spanish first took over.
TOP 10 ERMITAS
1. Ermita de la Virgen de la Cuevita, Artenara
The patron saint of cyclists resides in this small rock-face chapel (see Ermita de la Virgen de la Cuevita).
Ermita de la Virgen de la Cuevita
2. Ermita de las Nieves, Puerto de las Nieves
This church started out as a shrine in a 15th-century fortified tower (see Ermita de las Nieves).
3. Ermita de San Antonio Abad, Las Palmas
It is said that Columbus prayed here (see Casa De Colón, Las Palmas) before his trip to the New World.
4. Ermita de la Inmaculada Concepción, La Atalaya
Calle La Concepción
This simple 18th-century church resembles a rural house.
5. Ermita de San Telmo, Las Palmas
Rebuilt in 1694, the original church (see Parque and Ermita de San Telmo) was destroyed by Dutch pirates.
6. Ermita de San Isidro, San Isidro
Forebears of the current owners built this pleasing 17th-century church.
7. Ermita de San Sebastián, Agaete
Calle Pescadores
This mudéjar-style hermitage has an elaborate ceiling.
8. Ermita de San Isidro el Viejo, Gáldar
Carretera de Caideros
This mosque-like building is perhaps the island’s smallest place of worship.
9. Ermita de San Roque, Valsequillo
Plaza de San Roque
This 20th-century church is backed by an impressive palm grove.
10. Ermita de Ayacata, Ayacata (near Vecindario)
In February, this church is completely enveloped in almond blossom.
