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The church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception represents a landmark in Canarian history and has the status of a Spanish national shrine. Its greatest claim to fame is that the big glazed 16th century baptismal font, brought here from Seville in southern Spain. It was used to convert defeated Guanche warriors to Christianity.
Over the centuries, the church benefited from the finest workmanship on the Island, its Gothic origins becoming overlaid with Renaissance and then gaudy baroque decoration. The church has the grandest and richest interior on Tenerife. The gold and silver paintwork and metalwork are breathtaking. The rich retables from the 17th century are also extraordinary.
As soon as you enter the building you can see the extravagant woodcarving of the 18th century pulpit, which is considered one of Spain’s best examples of this type of work. The choir stalls are also beautifully carved.
The eye-catching seven storey tower, dating from the 17th century, has a distinctive Moorish look and is the principal landmark of this historic town. Though much changed since the Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion was built, even in those days the church was extraordinary grand for a far-flung new colony, with elaborately carved gilded wooden ceiling panels in Moorish design.
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