Embark on a weekly virtual journey through the charming streets and squares of historic Aguere City as we stroll along Juan de Vera Street, one of the oldest and most prominent thoroughfares. Beginning at Plaza de la Catedral and culminating at Plaza de Quintín Benito (Las Cruces), immortalized in a song by Los Sabandeños.
The origin of the street’s name remains shrouded in mystery. Some sources claim it honours a captain unjustly sentenced to death and executed on the same street. However, after thorough research, it is revealed that the street is named after Ensign Juan de Vera y Zarza, born in Taganana in 1624, clearing the confusion regarding the street’s namesake.
THE FIRST HOSPITAL IN TENERIFE
Juan de Vera Street was once home to the Hospital of Our Lady of Sorrows, a significant establishment marked by Pope Leo. Reflecting this, the street adopted the hospital’s name for a period.
During a specific era, the street was called Sol y Ortega, in tribute to a distinguished deputy born in Reus in 1849. This deputy, with a background in Law and a PhD from Madrid, held office after the 1910 elections. The street was eventually renamed Juan de Vera, following a motion by the Hon. La Laguna City Council in 1959, retracting the previous change in name due to lack of recognition towards Sol y Ortega.
At the intersection of Alcalde Alonso Suárez Melián Street and Juan de Vera Street stands Casa Suárez, an 18th-century building renowned for its symmetrical design, intricate carvings, and quality craftsmanship. Over the years, it housed various businesses, including a bookstore and a lottery office. Adjacent to it is the esteemed barbershop “The Hygienic”.
Adjacent to Casa Suárez is the headquarters of the Orfeón La Paz de La Laguna since 1971, a modern edifice accessible through a staircase leading to its grand assembly hall.
ORFEON LA PAZ, PRESTIGIOUS MUSICAL SOCIETY
Founded at the close of 1918, post the First World War armistice, the La Paz Orfeón Choir of La Laguna evolved into a cultural society in 1926 under the leadership of Mr. Fermín Cedrés Nóbrega. Since then, the society has played a vital role in the city’s cultural scene, particularly in music.
The Orfeón’s activities focus on promoting music, culture, and art, with an educational emphasis evident in its numerous courses tailored for children. Not solely performers, the Orfeón extends its musical reach wherever its presence is requested. Whenever the Christ of La Laguna passes by, the choir pays tribute by performing musical interludes.
On Epiphany, they organise toy distributions for underprivileged children and collaborate with local institutions. Their choir and rondalla are renowned across the Canary Islands and have performed nationally and internationally, earning accolades such as the Gold Medal of the Island and the City of La Laguna, designating it a Municipal Public Utility in 2020.
Next to Orfeón La Paz is an 18th-century building that belonged to the Simón Lercaro family, notable for its symmetrical façade and a small balcony on the third floor. Continuing along the street, other well-preserved 18th-century buildings can be seen before reaching San Agustín.
On the left side, just before Casa de Ossuna, a pharmacy stands with a new proprietor, replacing the renowned “Asiul Pharmacy” (Luisa, in local Lagunero dialect).
CASA DE OSSUNA MUSEUM AND THE INSTITUTE OF CANARY STUDIES
Across the street, Casa de Ossuna, a three-storey house with an attic and a vast balcony, was constructed in the mid-17th century by Captain Juan Delgado. It changed hands over the years until it was bequeathed to the city in 1950 by Don Manuel de Ossuna. Today, it functions as a museum and houses the offices of the Institute of Canarian Studies.
