Iglesia de San Bartolomé in Tejina

The Iglesia de San Bartolomé is a historic monument located in Tejina, in the municipality of San Cristóbal de La Laguna on the island of Tenerife. This building is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural and serves as a place of worship. The structure features three naves separated by recessed arches in stonework over square pillars.

Inside, the three naves are covered by par y nudillo ceilings without decoration, except for the double tie rods with light lacería decoration that reinforce the walls. The three chapels at the head of the church have ochavados ceilings with lacería decoration. The main nave is separated from the presbyterium by a robust semi-circular arch, both of which are elevated on steps.

The exterior of the church shows a certain asymmetry, with a bell-gable separating the central nave from the Epistle nave. The main entrance in stonework rises above a curved staircase, while an oculus and a three-story tower with a sharp spire are visible on the sides. The exterior walls are made of masonry with stone highlights that mark the corners and the chapels. The naves have independent two-pitched roofs with Arabic tile, while the chapels have three or four slopes at different heights.

The church preserves a sculpture of Bartolomé el Apóstol, likely dating from the foundation of the hermitage. This polychrome wood carving is from the beginning of the 16th century and features the saint holding a large knife in his left hand. This refers to the martyrdom inflicted by Astiages, king of Armenia and brother of Polymio, whom San Bartolomé had converted to Christianity.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons