The Church of San Benito Abad in San Cristóbal de La Laguna

The Church of San Benito Abad is situated on Calle Marqués de Celada in the municipal area of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife. Construction on the building dates back to the mid-16th century and is characterized by its large dimensions and a rectangular floor plan. The church is a protected monument, designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural by the Government of the Canary Islands.

The simple facade features a main entrance framed by a semi-circular arch made of red stonework. This arch is adorned with three fine moldings resting on a smooth architrave, which supports the capital and the fluted columns of the single step leading to the door. Above the arch, the choir window features a modern stone molding. The facade is completed by a simple rectangular stone espadaña with semi-circular arches and stone ball finials. A gable roof with an Arabic tile covering protects the nave, while the main chapel is covered by a four-sided roof.

Inside, the wide nave measures 26 meters long with a width of 8.50 meters, joined to a 9-meter presbytery. At the foot of the nave sits a high choir or gallery, accessible by a spiral staircase. The nave is covered by a tie-beam and collar-beam roof structure reinforced by five double beams decorated with asps, crosses, diamonds, and stars. The main altar occupies the back wall, with doors leading to the warehouse and the sacristy. Each year, the church serves as the starting point for the Romería de San Benito Abad, honoring the historical patron saint of the island's farmers and agricultural workers.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons