Iglesia Matriz de la Concepción

In the historic center of the municipality of Betancuria is the church of Santa María de Betancuria or Iglesia Matriz de la Concepción. Even though it is the least populated town in the Canary Islands, Betancuria keeps interesting treasures like this interesting religious building.

Historically the construction of what is now the Church of Santa María de Betancuria began at the beginning of the 15th century when the conquistadors who came to the island decided to erect a simple oratory to which to be able to go to comply with the religious precepts. Years later this small chapel was replaced by a larger one, already with the intention of converting it into the temple that remains today. It was sent to build by Jean de Bethencorut and Jean Le Maçon (literally Juan the Bricklayer) was commissioned to execute the work that was built following the canons of the French Gothic style of the fifteenth century.

In 1593 the church came to be destroyed by the Berber pirates who destroyed the town of Betancuria after being captained by the corsair Xabán Arráez. This contingent of more than 200 pirates looted all valuable items and left the area desolate.

In the 16th century, the reconstruction works of the temple began, but they did not finish until the last decade of the 17th century. During this reconstruction Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance and Baroque elements were added.

The Church is a building divided into three naves with presbytery and chapels, the square tower is attached to the wall of the epistle by the feet of the temple.

Inside the temple, we must highlight the choir that is located at the foot of the main nave, made of wood, carved and polychrome.The floor is also an interesting element covered by slabs of stonework with crossing of wood slats that separate the slabs.

The pulpit is made of wood with symbols representing the Eucharist and the Apostles. Ambienta there is a lot of altarpieces inside: Christ Tied to the Column, Altarpiece of San Buenaventura, altarpiece of Souls or the Sacred Heart of Jesus among others.