Iglesia de la Concepción (Santa Cruz de Tenerife) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of the Immaculate Conception |
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Iglesia de la Concepción
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| District | Diocese of San Cristóbal de La Laguna |
| Province | Archdiocese of Seville |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Parish |
| Location | |
| Location | Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | church |
| Architectural style | Colonial of the Canary Islands |
| Completed | 1500 |
| Direction of façade | Northwest |
The Church of the Immaculate Conception (also known as Iglesia-Parroquia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de La Concepción) is a beautiful Catholic church in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. It's special because it's the only church in the Canary Islands with five naves (the main parts of a church).
This church was built where the first small chapel stood. That chapel was put up by the Spanish explorers, called conquistadors. They built it after they landed on the coast, which later became the city of Santa Cruz. Many people call it the "Cathedral of Santa Cruz," but it's not actually a cathedral. The real cathedral for Tenerife is the Cathedral of La Laguna.
Contents
History of the Church
Building the First Church
Work on this church started in the year 1500. It was built to honor the Holy Cross. Father Juan Guerra began this important project. It was one of the very first churches ever built on the island of Tenerife.
The Church of the Conception was built close to a special spot. This was where the first Christian mass was held on Tenerife. This happened right after the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife was founded.
Dedication and Style
The Church of the Conception is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. The church's style is a mix of baroque and Tuscan architecture. The bell tower is the most famous part of the church. It's easy to spot from far away! This church has been named an important site of cultural interest.
What's Inside the Church?
Important Items and Art
Inside the church, you can find many interesting things. There is a statue of St. James, who is the patron saint of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. A very important cross is also kept here. This cross is the one that led to the founding of the city itself!
The church also has a large organ that came all the way from London. It was bought in 1862. Another special item is a relic of St. Clement I. He was a Pope and a Martyr. This relic was given to the church by the Patriarch of Antioch, Mr. Sidotti. People in the city used to honor this relic very much.
Our Lady of Consolation
You can also see a small Gothic statue from the 1400s. This is the image of the Our Lady of Consolation. She is the historic patron saint of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This statue is very important because it was the same one that Alonso Fernández de Lugo placed in a small chapel long ago. She was the first Virgin Mary statue honored in Santa Cruz. She was also one of the first important religious figures on Tenerife.
Gallery
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Interior of the church
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Exterior
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High altar
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St. James, patron saint of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
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Holy Cross used during the Castilian conquest
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Altar of the Souls of Purgatory
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Original image of the Our Lady of Consolation, the historic patron saint of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia Matriz de la Concepción (Santa Cruz de Tenerife) para niños
