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Church · Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
Church of the Conception (Santa Cruz)
Santa Cruz’s main church, dating from the 16th century and rebuilt in the 17th, with a five‑storey tower and the Cross of the Conquest, raised by the Castilians in 1494.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Church of the Conception (Santa Cruz)
The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción is the oldest church in Santa Cruz and the city’s main church. The first chapel was built in 1500, a few years after the landing of the Castilian conquerors, and the present church was rebuilt after a fire in 1652, with additions in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The tower, five storeys high with wooden balconies, was built in 1786 and became a symbol of the old quarter. Inside, the church has five naves, worked wooden ceilings in the Mudejar style, and Baroque altars.
Among the relics is the Cross of the Conquest, the cross that, according to tradition, Alonso Fernández de Lugo planted on the beach in 1494 when he landed, and which gave the city its name. There are also flags taken from the British during Admiral Nelson’s failed attack on Santa Cruz in 1797, when he lost his right arm.
Around it, the La Noria neighborhood has colorful houses and restaurants.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 30 minutes.
Best time
In the morning or early evening, during opening hours, which are limited. Check ahead.
How to get there
It sits on Plaza de la Iglesia, in the La Noria neighborhood, a 10-minute walk from Plaza de España and next to the TEA.
Tip
Look for the Cross of the Conquest and the English flags from 1797. Afterwards, have dinner in one of the colorful houses on Calle Antonio Domínguez Alfonso, La Noria.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Church of the Conception (Santa Cruz)
What is the Cruz de la Conquista?
The cross that, according to tradition, the Castilian conquerors planted on the beach in 1494 and that gave Santa Cruz its name.
Why are there English flags in the church?
They are trophies from Admiral Nelson’s attack on Santa Cruz in 1797, which failed.
Is the church near the TEA?
Yes, a few minutes on foot, in the La Noria neighborhood.