The Historic Quarter of Güímar

Güímar lies on the south side of Tenerife, in the spectacular Güímar Valley. Its popular historic quarter is full of prominent buildings. You can set off on a walk around the streets and visit the San Pedro de Arriba chapel, which is considered an Asset of Cultural Interest. Inside you will see a beautiful sculpture of the Virgen de las Aguas and another of San Pedro "the little", the name which the churchgoers fondly use to refer to a small figure of Saint Peter.

Güímar's Town Hall is quite a surprising sight, with its charismatic style. Since it was first erected as a Dominican monastery, it has been used for many years as a court house, a school and even a music academy. It still preserves a lovely inner patio, with that colonial air that characterises the area's traditional monasteries. Its carved wood cloister is a worthy discovery.

Another site you shouldn't miss is the San Pedro Apóstol church, which was declared an official monument thanks to its historic relevance. It has undergone a number of extensions over the centuries and houses an 18th century figure of San Pedro Apóstol made by an unknown artist. Its steeple stands impervious to the passage of time, conveying a sense of calm as it peacefully overlooks its surroundings.

You might also like to visit the church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, which was originally part of the Dominican monastery that went up in flames in 1775. The church has been refurbished and houses a number of well preserved 17th century religious figures.

The church of San Pedro de Abajo contains a series of special features that make it highly appealing and somehow familiar. Perhaps this is because it has been fondly named "San Periquito", which is the diminutive of Pedro, and because it hides two treasures inside. One is the oldest known figure of this Saint, and the other is the small bell topping the gable in the chapel, which originally belonged to an old steam boat that ran aground on the coast of Güímar.

Don't miss the chance to roam the town's lovely streets, taking in the details of its domestic architecture, which helps to confer the historic quarter of Güímar with that asymmetrical appeal from another era.