Une nef à trois vaisseaux, de magnifiques retables, un bel éclairage, un édifice accueillant à visiter.
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San Agustín Church

4.5
·146 reviews·La Orotava, Spain

A historic baroque church in La Orotava, known for its Mudejar ceilings and prominent plaza location. Free entry.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Une nef à trois vaisseaux, de magnifiques retables, un bel éclairage, un édifice accueillant à visiter.

San Agustín Church

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic baroque church in La Orotava, known for its Mudejar ceilings and prominent plaza location. Free entry.

4.5
(146 reviews)

"The exterior is beautiful and worth a look, but I left with the feeling of having missed the heart of the place."

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TIP

⏰ Verify Hours Before You Go

Many visitors found the church closed unexpectedly. Check official times to avoid disappointment!

✨ Admire the Exterior Details

Even if closed, the baroque facade and bell tower are impressive. Take time to appreciate the stonework.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mudejar Coffered Ceiling

Mudejar Coffered Ceiling

Interior

Admire the intricate, traditional Mudejar-style wooden coffered ceiling, a stunning example of craftsmanship.

Baroque Facade

Baroque Facade

Exterior

Marvel at the predominantly baroque stone portal, adorned with Corinthian capitals and palm leaves.

Carved Wooden Altars

Carved Wooden Altars

Interior

Discover beautifully painted wooden altars, featuring detailed carvings and religious artistry.

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Planning Your Visit

Check Opening Hours

Many visitors report arriving to find San Agustín Church unexpectedly closed. Always verify current opening times before your visit to avoid disappointment and ensure you can experience its interior beauty.

Explore the Plaza

The church is situated on Plaza de la Constitución, a vibrant spot with cafes and seating. Enjoy the exterior and surrounding area even if the church is closed.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Sunlight illuminates interior
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

⏰ Verify Hours Before You Go

Many visitors found the church closed unexpectedly. Check official times to avoid disappointment! Reddit

✨ Admire the Exterior Details

Even if closed, the baroque facade and bell tower are impressive. Take time to appreciate the stonework. Reddit

☕ Relax in the Plaza

The church overlooks Plaza de la Constitución, perfect for a coffee break with views. Reddit

⛪ Free Entry

Entry to the church is free, making it an accessible cultural experience. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

⏰ Verify Hours Before You Go

Many visitors found the church closed unexpectedly. Check official times to avoid disappointment! Reddit

✨ Admire the Exterior Details

Even if closed, the baroque facade and bell tower are impressive. Take time to appreciate the stonework. Reddit

☕ Relax in the Plaza

The church overlooks Plaza de la Constitución, perfect for a coffee break with views. Reddit

⛪ Free Entry

Entry to the church is free, making it an accessible cultural experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(146 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find San Agustín Church visually appealing from the outside, with its baroque facade and prominent location. However, many have been disappointed by unexpected closures, leading to an inability to experience the interior's Mudejar ceilings and altars. The free entry is a plus, but checking hours is crucial.

"My experience visiting was mixed. I had been looking forward to stepping inside and seeing the famous altarpiece and Mudejar ceilings, but unfortunately the church was closed when I arrived. Standing in front of the locked doors was disappointing, especially after making the effort to walk up through the historic streets. The exterior is beautiful and worth a look, but I left with the feeling of having missed the heart of the place. If you plan to visit, I recommend checking the opening times in advance to avoid the same frustration."

Przemyslaw Kowalski

"A pretty church looking quite grand over the plaza. It looks quite plain on the inside compared to some, but has beautiful wooden altars beautifully painted and the door is really nice too. It is in very good state of repair and entry is free. It stands next to an old convent and the views of the plaza go down to the sea. The plaza has bars/cafes and plenty of seating"

Sheila Brooks

"The three-aisled "Iglesia San Augustín" is located on the Plaza de la Constitución in the historic center of La Orotava. The church was built between 1671 and 1694 by order of the Augustinian Order on the remains of the former hermitage of San Roque as a monastery church for the Abbey of Nuestra Señora de Gracia. Its three-part, predominantly baroque portal is decorated with Corinthian capitals and palm leaves. The bell tower is made of black lava rock. Worth seeing are the coffered ceiling in the typical Mudejar style, the carved wooden altar and the 17th century Madonna statue Nuestra Señora de Gracia in the choir."

Karin S.

What People Like

Impressive baroque facade
Historic plaza setting
Free entry

What People Dislike

Frequent unexpected closures
Missed interior experience

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

San Agustín Church is located in the historic center of La Orotava on Plaza de la Constitución. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public buses also serve the area, making it convenient to reach from other parts of Tenerife. Reddit

Yes, the church is a prominent landmark in the historic center and is visible from many parts of La Orotava due to its elevated location. Reddit

Walking is the best way to explore the historic center, including the church and the adjacent former convent (now a House of Culture). This allows you to appreciate the architecture and atmosphere. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to San Agustín Church is free. However, it's crucial to check the opening hours beforehand as it can be closed unexpectedly. Reddit+1

Opening hours can vary and are not always consistently published. Visitors have reported finding the church closed even during expected visiting times. It is highly recommended to check locally or confirm on the day of your visit. Reddit

The former Augustinian convent, now known as the San Agustín Culture House, is a separate building. It has undergone renovations and houses cultural activities. Its facade is notable for its millstone construction and baroque bell tower. Reddit

Information on admission fees for the San Agustín Culture House (former convent) can vary depending on current exhibitions or events. It's best to check their specific schedule or inquire on-site.

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

Inside, look for the Mudejar-style coffered ceiling, the beautifully carved and painted wooden altars, and the 17th-century statue of Nuestra Señora de Gracia. Reddit

The church features a predominantly baroque portal with classicist elements, while its interior boasts a Mudejar-style coffered ceiling. The bell tower is constructed from black lava rock. Reddit

While the church is on a plaza, the interior accessibility can vary. It's advisable to inquire about specific accessibility features if needed, especially regarding steps or uneven flooring. Reddit

Built in the late 17th century, it was an Augustinian monastery church and a symbol of religious influence supported by wealthy local families. It underwent significant restoration after 19th-century damage. Reddit

The plaza offers views of the church and the former convent. It's a pleasant area with cafes and seating, ideal for resting and enjoying the historic surroundings. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The baroque facade with its detailed stonework is a prime photo opportunity. The elevated position also offers good vantage points for capturing the church within the plaza setting. Reddit

Photography inside churches is generally permitted, but it's always respectful to be discreet and avoid flash, especially during services. The Mudejar ceiling and altars are particularly photogenic. Reddit

Late afternoon light can beautifully illuminate the facade, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the stone details. Morning light can also be pleasant for exterior shots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While San Agustín Church itself might be more of a quiet, contemplative visit, the surrounding Plaza de la Constitución offers a more engaging experience for families. The open space is great for kids to move around, and the presence of cafes means parents can enjoy a break. The impressive facade and the unique Mudejar ceiling (if accessible) can spark curiosity in older children interested in art and history. Remember to check opening hours, as unexpected closures can be frustrating for younger ones. Reddit+1

🚶 Budget Travelers

San Agustín Church is an excellent option for budget travelers as entry is free. You can admire the striking baroque facade and the bell tower without spending a euro. The surrounding plaza also provides a pleasant, free space to relax and soak in the atmosphere. While the interior offers more, even an exterior view is worthwhile. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Highlights

San Agustín Church, built between 1671 and 1694, showcases a blend of architectural styles. Its exterior is dominated by a predominantly baroque portal, characterized by classicist cuts, Corinthian capitals, and palm leaf motifs. The bell tower, constructed from dark lava rock, adds a distinctive local touch. Inside, the church features a magnificent Mudejar-style coffered ceiling, a testament to intricate woodworking and traditional craftsmanship. The carved wooden altars, beautifully painted, are also significant artistic elements, including a notable 17th-century statue of Nuestra Señora de Gracia. Reddit

The church's elevated position on Plaza de la Constitución makes it a visible landmark in La Orotava. Its construction was supported by wealthy local families, reflecting the religious and social ideologies of the Augustinian order at the time. Despite suffering damage and plundering in the 19th century, a recent restoration has helped to revive some of its original splendor, allowing visitors to appreciate its historical and artistic value. Reddit

Historical Context and Restoration

The San Agustín Church was established by the Augustinian Order on the site of a former hermitage. Its construction in the late 17th century was part of a broader effort by the order to establish a presence and influence in the region, often with the backing of affluent local patrons. The adjacent former convent, now the San Agustín Culture House, shares this historical lineage. Reddit

However, the church's history is also marked by periods of hardship. Following the Spanish Confiscation in the 19th century, the church suffered significant structural damage and was stripped of many of its valuable artworks and altarpieces. This period left a considerable impact on its original state. Fortunately, a comprehensive restoration project in more recent times has worked to restore much of its former glory, making it possible for visitors today to experience its architectural and artistic heritage. Reddit

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