Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria — Attraction in Candelaria

Of the religious attractions of the island of Tenerife, it is worth noting the Candelaria Basilica, which houses the sacred for all islanders, wooden sculpture of the Black-faced Virgin of Candelaria. On the southeast coast of Tenerife, there is the ancient city of Candelaria, the religious capital of the Canary archipelago. In this city, the beautiful Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria) rises above the picturesque seashore.The Basilica of Candelaria was the first church in the Canaries dedicated to the Virgin Mary. A sacred relic is kept here - a wooden figure of the Black-faced Virgin of Candelaria. The church forms a single architectural ensemble with a statue storage (sanctuary) and a Dominican monastery. In front of the basilica, on Patrona de Canarias Square, there are bronze sculptures of the nine kings...

Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria is a beautiful building inside and out. Candelaria is a small seaside town close to Santa Crus in Tenerife. This Basilica houses the Black Madonna. The original statue was washed up into a cave where two shepherds used to put their livestock at the end of the day. It is a very interesting history and worth reading. The Virgin of Candelaria was officially declared Patroness of the Canary Islands in 1867 and canonically crowned in 1889. Many faithful still go on pilgrimage to the Virgin of Candelaria especially around 15th August, the Feast day of the assumption of the Virgin into Heaven. There are great processions and festivities reenacting the legend of the Black Madonna. Well worth a visit to the Basilica...

Getting parked there is a nightmare - no logical way to it - when I eventually got there I was able to park in the disabled bay - now the irony - no toilets and the public toilets were chained closed despite this being outside a famous landmark- no lift so I couldn’t get to see the other parts of the sanctuary that an abled body person could. Not suitable for those who can’t climb up and down stairs. No guide to welcome you - Tenerife has a poor infrastructure but to deliberately have toilets closed is a serious oversight. I had to buy items from the pharmacy twice and each time I noticed the staff don’t like British people- and locals don’t like you sticking to the speed limit - oh and spiritually - I felt nothing at...