Camino de la Virgen

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Architecture · Subcategory: Squares, streets & markets · Year: S. XVI

The Camino de la Virgen de Candelaria is an ancient pilgrimage path that connects the historic centre of La Laguna with the town of Candelaria after crossing the municipalities of Santa Cruz and El Rosario. It is one of the oldest on the island, as since the 16th century it was used not only as a pilgrimage route but also as a commercial road connecting the northern and southern slopes of Tenerife. 

With a total length of 21 kilometres, only a fragment runs through the midlands of the southwestern sector of the municipality of Santa Cruz, crossing old cultivated fields, traditional hamlets and ravine beds. The route enters Santa Cruz from La Laguna through Los Baldíos, following the route of the San Francisco de Paula road (TF-265), then continues along the Convent path, surrounding Montaña Talavera, then crossing the Chorrillo ravine, and shortly afterwards entering the municipality of El Rosario. 

Also known as the Old Road of Candelaria, this path has been declared since 2008 a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) (Asset of Cultural Interest), with the category of Historic Site. Since the end of the conquest, its course was a very important access and communication route between the island's main city, La Laguna, and the southern sector of Tenerife.

Today, it is travelled on specific dates by pilgrims who come to the Basilica of Candelaria to honour the Patroness of the Canary Islands, maintaining its great historical and landscape value.

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