A small rock in the Atlantic: The Best Baroque Altarpieces in the Canary Islands

This is the main altarpiece in The church of Our Lady of Candelaria (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria) in Tijarafe. According to the books, it's the best baroque altarpiece in the Canary Islands. It's certainly gorgeous, and huge.

It was made by Antonio de Orbarán, and he worked on it from 1626 to 1628. It cleverly combines niches with statues and painted panels.

The church itself was built around 1530, but various enlargements and renovations went on from 1571 until the start of the 18th century.

Mass is held on Fridays, Sundays and public holidays at 17.30 (in summer, at 18.30) but the church seems to be open most of the time. Take the main road around the north of the island, detour into the centre of Tijarafe (just above the main road) and you'll find the church easily.

Labels: churches, Flemish Art, tijarafe