Basilica of Candelaria
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria
The cathedral dedicated to the Virgin of Candelaria, patron of the Canary Islands, with nine bronze statues of Guanche chieftains lining the seaside square.
The Basilica of Candelaria was completed in 1959 and is the most important pilgrimage site in the Canary Islands. It houses the Black Madonna, revered as the islands' patron. The square in front faces the sea, and on the shore stand bronze statues of nine native Guanche chieftains (mencey). Entry is free; please do not walk around during mass. A major pilgrimage takes place every year on 14 and 15 August, when crowds are dense. The basilica is about 20 km from Santa Cruz.
Opening hours
Approx. 7:30 AM–8:00 PM
Nearby sights
- Pyramids of Güímar
- San Cristóbal de La Laguna
- Palmetum of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Auditorio de Tenerife
- La Orotava
- Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África
- Museo de la Naturaleza y Arqueología (MUNA)
- Puerto de la Cruz