Celebrating 25 Years of La Laguna as a World Heritage Site: The Historic Centre of San Cristóbal de La Laguna

The 25th anniversary of the designation of San Cristóbal de La Laguna as a World Heritage site is being commemorated, highlighting its rich historical significance.

Historical Context of San Cristóbal de La Laguna

San Cristóbal de La Laguna, known for its historical importance, was originally part of the Menceyato of Tegueste, an area referred to by the indigenous population as Aguere. This location was strategically vital, attracting pastoralists to its fertile lands surrounded by mountains and a lagoon even before the Spanish conquest of Tenerife.

The Battle of Aguere: A Turning Point

Aguere was the scene of a crucial military engagement between Castilian forces led by Don Alonso Fernández de Lugo and the indigenous inhabitants. This confrontation, which took place in 1496, was pivotal in the conquest of the island, resulting in the defeat of Mencey Bencomo and his brother Tinguaro. This victory led to the permanent incorporation of Tenerife into the Crown of Castile. Notably, this battle occurred on the feast day of San Cristóbal, which later inspired the city’s name and the patronage of San Miguel, the protective saint of Don Alonso.

To honor these significant historical events, several religious sites were established, including the Hermitages of Gracia and San Cristóbal, as well as the Convent of San Miguel de las Victorias.

Administrative Evolution and Urban Development

In recognition of his achievements, Don Alonso Fernández de Lugo was granted the title of Adelantado and governorship of the newly conquered territories by the Catholic Monarchs. He was empowered to administer justice, appoint officials, allocate lands, and oversee the Cabildo, the governing body established during the first capitular meeting on October 20, 1497.

The legacy of his descendants in governance led to San Cristóbal de La Laguna being referred to as the city of the Adelantados. Over the course of the 16th century, the town evolved into two primary population centers. The initial settlement, established by the Adelantado near the Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, lacked a structured urban plan and consisted of simple stone houses with thatched roofs.

By around 1500, a second, more organized settlement emerged, promoting growth to the south and east, originating from the Santo Espíritu (Convent of San Agustín). These two settlements, known as La Villa Veccia or Villa de Arriba and Villa de Abajo, eventually merged into a single city. This new urban area was designed according to Renaissance principles, featuring a grid layout that included straight streets forming city blocks. This design made it the first example of a non-fortified city, characterized as a City of Peace, with natural boundaries provided by the Barranco de Chamarta and the surrounding mountains.

Growth and Recognition in the 16th Century

In Villa de Abajo, a central square was established in accordance with Castilian architectural styles, around which the residences of the Adelantado, Justice, and the Island Government were built. On February 3, 1510, Queen Juana I of Castile granted the settlement the title of Villa along with a coat of arms. This emblem features the Archangel San Miguel, along with symbols representing the kingdoms of Castile and León, and a fiery mountain symbolizing El Teide.

During the 16th century, the city experienced rapid urban development. By 1588, military engineer Leonardo Torriani, commissioned by Philip II, documented the city, noting its three convents, six chapels, the Cabildo, churches, and hospitals. He described it as the largest city established after the Conquest. The swift expansion of San Cristóbal de La Laguna led to its recognition as a Ciudad on January 20, 1531, followed by the titles of Noble and Loyal History on September 8, 1534.

Key points

• San Cristóbal de La Laguna was part of the Menceyato of Tegueste, known as Aguere.
• The final battle for the island’s conquest occurred in Aguere in 1496.
• Don Alonso Fernández de Lugo was granted the title of Adelantado by the Crown.
• The first governing body was established on October 20, 1497.
• The city was designed based on Renaissance principles, featuring a grid layout.
• Queen Juana I of Castile granted the title of Villa on February 3, 1510.
• San Cristóbal de La Laguna was recognized as a Ciudad on January 20, 1531.