The structure originates from the early 18th century.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 29 Mar (Europa Press) –
Both insular and regional officials inaugurated the restoration of the Hermitage of San Miguel de las Viñas in Geneto, La Laguna (Tenerife), on Friday, following the completion of works that required an investment exceeding 600,000 euros.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo; the General Director of Historical Heritage, Miguel Ángel Clavijo; the Minister for Natural Environment, Security, and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez; and the Insular Director of Historical Heritage, Isabel de Esteban.
Also in attendance were the Diocesan Administrator, Antonio Pérez; the councillors for Historical Heritage, Municipal Services, and Citizen Participation and Local Promotion and Development—Adolfo Cordobés, Francisco Hernández, and Domingo Galzán, respectively—and the architect overseeing the project, Alejandro Beautell.
The restoration of the temple involved an expenditure of more than 600,000 euros, with the Cabildo contributing 362,542.20 euros through the Insular Program of Historical Heritage 2023-2027; the Government of the Canary Islands providing 100,000 euros; the City Council of La Laguna allocating 15,000 euros; and the bishopric contributing 124,000 euros.
Fernando Clavijo emphasised the efforts made in restoring the historical hermitage of San Miguel de Geneto, noting that this project exemplifies how “institutional collaboration yields results.”
He also expressed gratitude to the community of parishioners and local residents for their years of patience and perseverance, stating that they have been “rewarded” with a revitalised space for faith, gathering, and tradition.
Furthermore, Isabel de Esteban highlighted the Cabildo’s commitment to the restoration, conservation, and promotion of historical assets on the island, aiming to enrich Tenerife’s cultural heritage.
He remarked that through this initiative, respect for the past is upheld, citizen engagement is encouraged, and the socioeconomic vitality of our communities is stimulated.
“The restoration of the Church of San Miguel de Geneto serves as a prime example of this vision, focusing not only on preserving physical heritage but also on revitalising the social framework surrounding it,” he stated.
The Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, praised “inter-agency collaboration, which has ensured the preservation of a property of significant cultural value, marked by a strong sense of community.”
INTERVENTION
The hermitage of San Miguel de las Viñas dates back to the early 18th century, and the restoration efforts included the recovery of the former open area that used to precede the entrance of the temple, which had vanished in the mid-20th century. This space once housed a wooden cross linked to the pilgrimages to Candelaria.
In this context, the finalised project aimed to restore visibility to that open area, although a fence has been installed for security purposes.
Additionally, the council states that a deteriorated and culturally insignificant adjoining structure has been demolished, and in its place, a new space for worship and education has been constructed, creating a connection through an inner courtyard with the rehabilitated old hermitage.
