The Main Parish of Our Lady of the Conception of La Orotava will introduce a modest symbolic charge of 2 euros per person for entry into the interior of the church beginning in February. This initiative aims primarily to ensure the appropriate care and preservation of the structure and its cultural treasures.
Access will remain free for residents of the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, who are also members of the Nivariense Diocese (La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and Tenerife), in addition to children under the age of six and accredited Official Tourist Guides of the Canary Islands.
Visiting hours will be Tuesday to Friday, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. In the afternoons throughout the week (from 6:30 p.m.) and over the weekends, entry will be complimentary, providing greater flexibility for visitors.
During religious celebrations, tourist visits will not be permitted to respect the worship.
This initiative forms part of a broader effort to maintain the invaluable historical and cultural legacy of La Orotava, while balancing the increasing influx of visitors with the necessity to keep the space in optimal condition. Such conservation efforts are neither novel nor isolated; over recent years, numerous public institutions in the Canary Islands have implemented similar policies to ensure the safeguarding of our most treasured resources.
A noteworthy instance of this is the introduction of fees in the Masca area by the Cabildo of Tenerife, where a contribution has been established for access to specific high-impact tourist destinations, aimed at better managing visitor flows and protecting the natural environment.
The Mother Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, alongside other sites of significant historical and cultural value in our Islands, necessitates measures that facilitate its long-term preservation and maintenance. The proceeds generated from this small charge will directly support the restoration and conservation of the structure and its cultural treasures, ensuring this heritage remains accessible for future generations.
This symbolic fee serves not only a practical role but also an educational one. By implementing this measure, we aim to raise awareness among visitors regarding the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the Canary Islands, which rightfully deserves recognition.
The collaboration of the community, both residents and tourists, will be vital to ensure that this monument continues to embody a symbol of collective history and heritage.
Furthermore, with the clear intention of enhancing and dignifying the quality of visits, we are working closely with the APIT (Professional Association of Tourist Guides of Tenerife) to develop collaborative approaches with tourism professionals, aiming to establish productive connections that improve the usage and best practices at one of the most esteemed and frequented religious monuments in the Canary Islands.
The collective effort, understanding, and support from all visitors and professionals in the tourism industry will play a crucial role in the dissemination of this measure and in fostering a respectful and enriching experience for everyone.
