Walk charming San Cristobal de la Laguna grid town old quarters

The lagune that gave San Cristobal de la Laguna town its name, more than 500 years ago is gone. It was an important asset of the aborigine Guanche settlement Aguere which became the first Tenerife capital La Laguna after its conquest. That's when the grid town old quarters were built, a main road of which is depicted below. The grid system was copied all over Spanish South America.

La Laguna a World heritage site with Tenerife's biggest Christmas lighting display in 2019

That was my impression when I started to explore it after seeing all major Tenerife's towns with Christmas Advent decor. Views into crossing side streets from it were breathtaking with miles and miles of LED glitter of the so called fifth season of Tenerife namely that of the birth of Christ. 

I started walking all along Calle C.Nava y Grimón to Plaza del Christo to enjoy the Christmas scene within the square blocks of buildings of its old quarters. Again, my way back by C.Viana opened up the rest of the symmetrical lay-out of the ancient hub that crossed this and Calle C.Nava the road to the town's market place.

Click the photos to enlarge them...

There, the most important pedestrian walk ways of the former Tenerife capital  displayed miles and miles of breathtaking Christmas splendor with people shopping or  in restaurants, bars and cafes outside or inside. Mind strolling through a grid town is fun, as you keep on turning left and right after blocks of houses whenever a new alley grabs your fancy.

Ermita San Roques a top grid-lookout and the spot of the historical battle of Aguere

By the way, the Guanche hero Tinguaro brother of Bencomo and son of the Gran Rey Venitomo(Bencomo)of Taoro was killed near the Mirador the viewpoint of chapel Ermita San Roque in the valley Battle of Aguere around November 15 of 1494.

The Views from the chapel toward the grid arrangement are indeed awesome with the old quarters the Casco of San Cristobal de la Laguna being almost by the mirador's doorsteps.

The red lines follow on from the metro Tranvia terminal  Trinidad. Taxis there may also take you to the airport for example or just give extra information. Click the map to enlarge like all the small photos...

Click the photo on the right to see the Island Gran Canaria on the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean...

Borders between the capital and La Laguna are impossible to glimpse. However, a landing aircraft may be followed easily on its runway of Los Rodeos from the Mirador Ermita de Roque even without magnifying glasses. 

San Cristobal de la Laguna wind or water mills

The region is very open to winds and clouds but mills seem to have disappeared just like the lagune. However, there are many wells in the inside patios of the old quarters of La Laguna. Most are big and beautiful.

Is the famous grid system of Santa Cruz de la Laguna outdated?

Mind that no boredom comes up in the Caleidoscope of building styles that's intermingled with palaces in the pedestrian district of the ancient downtown quarters.

Houses which are often palaces in La Laguna have more or less the same amount of stories but vary from pastel to slightly stronger colors without clashing. Terrace furniture in its pedestrian lanes break any monotony.  There's also a street folk by Plaza de la Concepcion. Some diagonal narrower streets are proper traffic lanes but won't allow speeding.There, road surfaces are not cobbled.

Try the delicious spicy cheese spread Almogrote on fresh bread if pastries are not to your taste. Otherwise, there are always the tasty Papas arrugadas with spicy or with Coriander Sauce.  Caramel desserts that resemble Flan or Cheesecake are very tasty. So is the raisin Frangollo de Pasas another very typical dish.

Those lanes even provide enough safety during the pitch-dark,  silent Good Friday processions of Spanish traditions, as the watchful eyes of the Spanish Guardia Civil police are never amiss. Then, only chains of the brotherhoods and friars disturb the peace without encountering any road surface obstacles.

Behind Plaza de Concepción is La Bohème. I offers breakfasts and brunches which are mouthwatering good. A crepe with excellent coffee sets you back Euro 4. I had to try when I saw that and loved it. I will be back for sure. Another hot tip, just for a copa with live music after 5 p.m. follows below.

San Cristobal de la Laguna road signs

They all have the town's coat of arms. They respect the elderly by citing abandoned as well as new names. This is contrary to most towns and pueblos on the biggest Canary Island. There, orientation rather demands the memorizing of names of bars, as those of roads seem to be hidden.

More La Laguna Surprises

Look out for Gargoyles that may spit water on passers-by from rooftops. Those who still think that the grid fashion of town planning is monotonous may enter any large portal, where a commemorative plaque gives explanations. Glimpse inside to discover many a most enchanting green oasis. Japonese Cycad Revoluta plants dictate a new way of landscaping in some of them besides fountains of yore. By the way, many art exhibitions happen in this part of Tenerife. Then there is the a charming old theatre Teatro Leal opposite Hotel Aguere. The Gran Hotel La Laguna commemorates Alfredo Tobacco. It displays leaves of the plant together with all the utensils that were needed to deal with it. This hotel was installed in an ancient Tobacco factory, I believe.  Both hotels have been wonderfully renovated with magnificent sky lights above their lobbies.

Two convents for nuns are still inhabited by very strict orders. They have beautiful churches and museums of sacred art. The Sanctuary of Christ is also a must see besides the Cathedral and the Matriz of the Concepcion. So is the Ex- Convent Convento de Santo Domingo de Guzmán de La Laguna.

The night life district of La Laguna

Of course, the oldest university town of the Canary Islands has nightlife. Many dance clubs and discos are beside the Casco and the Metro Avenue La Trinidad which isn't a beautiful part of town, by the way.

My favorite restaurant of La Laguna

Restaurante Los Olivos restaurant - C/Bencomo,20,38201 San Cristóbal de La Laguna Tel:922 08 18 01, just behind Tenerife's cathedral.
Chef of this divine cuisine is the Scotsman Richard Etherington whose food and style I remember too well from La Orotava. He is in Facebook and in all top portals with near 5 stars.

Famous La Laguna Choirs

Not only the internationally renown Folk Group Los Sabadeños originates from San Cristobal de la Laguna,  but also Gospel Shine Voices. This successful and unique Tenerife Choir for Gospel, Soul and Blues which was founded in 2008 still has its base in La Laguna. There, its music is also taught. Call 671 25 59 52 or get in touch on its Facebook Page by the same name.

Why Tenerife Easter excels at San Cristobal de la Laguna

La Laguna Cofradias and brotherhoods of the Magna processions are not only as famous as those of Sevilla of mainland Spain. Its Tenerife Easter of Spanish traditions is a genuine tourist attraction with more surprises...

More about Gospel Shine Voices

here

Romantic holidays a true story that happend  around Christmas in a rather laid back La Laguna of more than ten years ago

From San Cristobal de la Laguna back to Tenerife towns

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