The Historic Quarter of La Laguna
The most important streets in the centre of La Laguna are pedestrianised. This allows you to roam them at leisure without worrying about the traffic. You will be glad of it when you realise the time it takes to explore it all.
The city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 and is considered a “unique example of an unwalled colonial city”. The original 15th century layout remains almost intact, just as it was depicted by Master Leonardo Torriani in his map of La Laguna. The city was also used as a template for the colonial cities founded in America, such as Old Havana, Lima and Cartagena, which is why their houses and streets looks so similar.
The city centre is very well-preserved, dotted with lovely buildings on all of its streets. It's a good idea to book one of the guided tours that will take you around the most emblematic buildings. You can also arrange your own tour and take it at your leisure.
The streets are bustling, full of shops, cafés and taverns, making it the perfect opportunity to do some shopping or have a replenishing drink, a snack or a wholesome meal. A list of the buildings you won't want to miss on your tour includes the refurbished Cathedral, the La Concepción church, the Santísimo Cristo de La Laguna Royal Sanctuary – which houses a figure of the Santísimo Cristo (Holy Christ) –, Plaza del Adelantado, the City Hall, Palacio de Nava and Casa de los Capitanes.
We answer to your frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the historic centre of La Laguna
How to get to the historic centre of La Laguna?
The historic centre of San Cristóbal de La Laguna is easily accessible both by public transport and by car. From Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the most convenient options is the Tenerife Tram, which connects both cities and allows visitors to reach the historic quarter on foot within a few minutes. If arriving by car, the most practical option is to park in areas close to the centre and continue on foot, as much of the historic route takes place along pedestrian streets.
How much time is needed to explore the historic centre of La Laguna?
For a relaxed first visit, it is advisable to allow between 2 and 3 hours, as the historic centre contains numerous heritage buildings, pedestrian streets and squares where it is worth stopping. If you also wish to enter some historic buildings or take a guided tour, it is worth allowing additional time. One of its advantages is that the main route can comfortably be explored on foot.
What is the best route for discovering the historic centre of La Laguna for the first time?
A practical way to begin is at Plaza del Adelantado, from where several of the most representative buildings in the historic centre can easily be reached. A very common route includes:
- Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna
- Church of La Concepción
- Casa de los Capitanes
- Nava Palace
- Real Santuario del Santísimo Cristo de La Laguna
This route provides a good understanding of the city’s historic structure.
Why is the old quarter of La Laguna a World Heritage Site?
Because it exceptionally preserves an urban model that had a major influence on many later colonial cities in the Americas. UNESCO recognised San Cristóbal de La Laguna as a World Heritage Site for being a very well-preserved example of an unfortified colonial town, with an urban layout that has remained virtually unchanged since the end of the 15th century. This urban design served as a reference for cities such as Havana, Lima and Cartagena de Indias.
Which façades are worth observing more closely in the historic centre of La Laguna?
Many of the historic façades contain details that can go unnoticed if explored too quickly. It is worth paying attention to:
- Traditional wooden balconies
- Volcanic stone doorways
- Noble coats of arms
- Interior courtyards visible from certain entrances
These elements help explain why the historic centre has such significant architectural value.
Is La Laguna Cathedral part of the main historic centre route?
Yes. The Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna is one of the most visited points along the historic route and one of the city’s most representative religious buildings. Its location makes it easy to include within a walking visit together with other nearby historic buildings.
Is it worth taking a guided tour of the old quarter of La Laguna?
Yes, especially if you want to better understand why San Cristóbal de La Laguna was recognised as a World Heritage Site and how it influenced the design of other colonial cities. Although it is easy to explore independently, a guided tour allows visitors to better interpret façades, historic buildings and the city’s urban evolution. Tours can be consulted or booked through the La Laguna tourist information office or through authorised guided tour services operating in the historic centre.