Plaza del Cristo

Until recently, Plaza del Cristo marked the limit between the urban part of La Laguna and its agricultural area that stretches behind it, forming the well-known lagoon plain. In the surroundings of the current square there was once the historic and disappeared Hospital of San Sebastián , which played an important role in welcoming patients during the bubonic plague epidemic that broke out in the city in 1582. The Plaza de San Francisco was used until the 20th century as a field of military exercises for the garrison of the barracks located since the beginning of this century on the site of the old Franciscan Convent that gave its name to this square. However, the square is commonly known as Plaza del Cristo, because, without a doubt, what gives it more importance is the presence in one of its corners of the Real Santuario del Cristo de La Laguna, an image that arouses great devotion among the lagoons and, in general, among all the canaries. At present in this square is the municipal market. This square is usually the place chosen to celebrate the great farewell mass for the image of the Virgin of Candelaria, the Patroness of the Canary Islands on her visits to the city. This is also a site of Mercado Municipal, which has close to 100 stalls, including fresh-produce counters piled high with glistening fruit and veg, and decorated by strings of garlic and bunches of fragrant herbs. This is also the place to buy the local smoked goat’s cheese, fresh baked goods and flowers.