Nestled between steep mountains and ravines that descend towards the Atlantic, the Church of Our Lady of the Snows in Taganana is one of the oldest and most unique temples in Tenerife. Located in the settlement of Taganana, within the Anaga Rural Park, this church not only stands out for its architectural and heritage value but also for its deep connection to the history and identity of this area in the north of the island.
A temple with over five centuries of history
Built in the 16th century, the church initially began as a hermitage around the year 1505. It was in 1512 that it was established as the main temple of the population centre, becoming one of the first religious centres built after the conquest of Tenerife. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the church was expanded with the addition of two side aisles and the construction of the main chapel in 1728, resulting in the basilica layout it retains today.
The passage of time and the climatic conditions necessitated significant restoration work in 2016, financed with public funds. These works included the reinforcement of walls, the renewal of the wooden roof, the installation of accessible entrances for people with reduced mobility, and improvements in safety measures.
Unique architectural elements of the church
The church features a simple white façade with details in red tuff, a traditional volcanic stone of the archipelago. Its structure consists of three naves separated by Tuscan columns and semi-circular arches. The king post and collar beam roof is a typical element of Canary Island architecture, and in its asymmetrical bell tower stands a bell that has marked the rhythms of the settlement for centuries.
Inside, it impresses with its spaciousness and the value of its heritage items. Among them are several Baroque altarpieces—such as that of the main altar, the Blessed Sacrament, and the Virgin of the Rosary—as well as polychrome sculptures representing scenes from sacred art from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
Sacred art and popular devotion
Among the most venerated images is the carving of Our Lady of the Snows, the patroness of the temple and the village. Other notable sculptures include Christ of the Shipwreck—linked to a local legend about the sinking of the steamship Flachat in 1898—, Jesus of Nazareth, and the Christ of Solitude. The church also houses valuable pieces of goldsmithing, such as chalices, monstrances, crosses, and silver crowns, some of which are from trade with America.
In 2006, the church was declared a Cultural Heritage Asset in the Monument category, a recognition that guarantees its protection and conservation as an essential part of the historical heritage of the Canary Islands.
The Flachat shipwreck: the tragedy that gave rise to the Christ of the Shipwreck in Taganana
On the night of 15 February 1898, the coast of Taganana was the scene of one of the greatest maritime tragedies to occur in Tenerife. The French steamship Flachat, coming from Marseille and bound for America, wrecked off the beach of Anosma after running aground due to poor visibility caused by a dense haze, then known as “sand rain”.
The vessel, owned by the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, was carrying 51 passengers and a varied cargo that included horses, flour, wine, and even religious images destined for Venezuela. As it collided with the Bajos Verdes of Anaga, the ship broke into three pieces and began to sink rapidly.
The rescue was led by the Susu steamship, which the next day spotted the wreckage. Its crew, including the young sailor Rafael Rodríguez Campanario, managed to save 13 people, including Captain Leroy. However, many others were not so lucky. When attempting to rescue the shipwrecked trapped in the bow, the main mast and chimney of the Flachat collapsed, dragging those who were clinging to them into the sea.
In total, 43 passengers and 34 crew members lost their lives. Some bodies were buried in the cemetery of San Andrés. The incident shocked the island, and a mass funeral was held at the Church of the Conception in Santa Cruz. To support the 24 survivors, a public subscription was organised by merchants and local media.
In gratitude for the bravery of the crew of the Susu, the French shipping company awarded medals and rewards, and the grandson of sailor Campanario carved a model of the Flachat that can now be seen in the Church of Our Lady of the Snows of Taganana.
However, the most symbolic legacy of the shipwreck came with the discovery of a box swept ashore by the sea containing an image of the Crucified Christ, with the arms disassembled for transport. The sculpture, after being restored by sculptor Arsenio de las Casas in 1907, became known as the Christ of the Shipwreck, and is preserved as a Cultural Heritage Asset in the parish of Taganana.
The devotion to this image motivated the establishment, in 1914, of the Brotherhood of the Most Holy Christ of the Shipwreck, a brotherhood that provided aid to victims of maritime accidents and organised religious events each 3 May. Today, the Christ remains a central figure in the processions of Holy Thursday and Good Friday, accompanied by statues of Saint Mary Magdalene and Saint John the Baptist.
Festivals and traditions
Every 5 August, Taganana fervently celebrates the festivities in honour of Our Lady of the Snows. During these days, solemn processions, religious acts, cultural events, and fireworks displays take place, bringing together locals and visitors alike. One of the most awaited traditions is the descent and ascent of the statue of the Virgin, which takes place amid songs, flowers, and prayers.
During Holy Week, the church also plays a leading role with solemn processions, including that of the Holy Burial, considered one of the most moving in the region.
Visiting the church in the Anaga environment
Taganana is part of the Anaga Massif, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and is an essential stop for those wishing to explore the rural past of Tenerife. The church is located in the centre of the settlement, next to the main square, from where paths lead to natural viewpoints, cobbled roads, and black sand beaches such as Roque de las Bodegas or Benijo.
Moreover, just a few metres away is the hermitage of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, also declared a Cultural Heritage Asset, making this corner of Anaga a place of great historical and spiritual value.
Practical information for visitors
The Church of Our Lady of the Snows can be visited during worship hours or by arranging a visit with the local parish. Thanks to the accessibility works carried out in recent years, the temple has an entrance adapted for people with reduced mobility. It is recommended to attend with respect, especially during liturgical celebrations, and to take the opportunity to explore the rest of the settlement and its traditional cuisine.
Restoration of the Church of Our Lady of the Snows in Taganana
The Cabildo of Tenerife has reaffirmed the commitment of the island’s corporation to the conservation policies of the island’s historical heritage, with the restoration of the Church of Our Lady of the Snows in Taganana.
The restoration works of the temple have involved an investment of €223,000, of which €100,000 is provided by the Government of the Canary Islands. The Cabildo contributes €76,000 and a total of €46,000 is covered by the Diocese.
The island’s Director of Historical Heritage, Isabel de Esteban, thanked those involved in the work and reminded us that “the Cabildo has developed a clear policy based on the restoration, conservation, and promotion of our historical assets, with the aim of highlighting the rich cultural legacy of the island.”
