Just metres from the
coast, you come across the placid Villa de Teguise (village
of Teguise), once the ancient capital of the island.
With over 500 years of history, which the town has proudly
preserved, Teguise was declared Conjunto Arquitectónico
Histórico-Artístico (an architecturally
historic artistic site) in the 1980´s.
Today it serves as an escape
from the bustle of the city and a reminder of the glory
of yesterday.
In 1418, Maciot de Bethencourt first demarcated the town's
boundaries making Teguise the first urban centre in the
Canary Islands. Its domestic architecture can still be
seen in the beautifully restored palaces and stately homes
such as the Spínola Palace and the Torres.
Among the religious buildings are Ntra. Sra. de Guadalupe
church and the convents of Santo Domingo and San Francisco.
And on top of Guanapay volcano sits the old castle of
Santa Bárbara.
Teguise was once the capital of the island and now is
the bastion of arts and handicrafts; the stronghold of
an entire population´s cultural heritage.
Not to be missed is the famous outdoor market held every
Sunday morning when the village turns itself into a grand
bazaar! It's a great mix of the traditional and modern.
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