Historical Significance and Urban Development of San Cristóbal de La Laguna

What we now know as San Cristóbal de La Laguna was once part of the kingdom or Menceyato of Tegueste, in the area referred to by the indigenous people as Aguere. This strategic location has drawn livestock herders since before the conquest of Tenerife, due to its fertile land, surrounded by hills and featuring a small lagoon.

Historical Significance of Aguere

Aguere was the site of the last military conflict between the Castilian troops, led by Don Alonso Fernández de Lugo, and the indigenous people, determining the final conquest of the island. The victory over Mencey Bencomo and his brother Tinguaro in 1496 firmly incorporated Tenerife into the Crown of Castile. This occurred on a day dedicated to Saint Christopher, which would eventually name the city and establish the patronage alongside Saint Michael, the revered protector of Don Alonso.

Commemorative Monuments

In honour of these historical events, the Hermitages of Gracia, San Cristóbal, and the Convent of San Miguel de las Victorias were constructed.

Governance and Administration

Don Alonso Fernández de Lugo received, as payment for his conquests, the title of Adelantado and the governance of these territories from the Crown (Catholic Monarchs). He possessed full rights to administer justice, appoint various administrative, judicial, and military posts, allocate land, issue ordinances, and lead the Cabildo. The first chapter meeting was held on 20 October 1497, becoming for a long time the principal and sole governing body.

The succession of the descendants of Fernández de Lugo contributed to San Cristóbal de La Laguna being known as the city of the Adelantados.

Development of the City

During the 16th century, the town developed into two distinct population centres. The first settlement, chosen by the Adelantado around the Parish of Our Lady of Conception, lacked a planned urban layout, consisting only of a few stone houses with thatched roofs forming a small hamlet. By 1500, a second, more rationalised settlement emerged, promoting population growth to the south and east. The two towns, La Villa Veccia (Upper Villa) and the Lower Villa, eventually united. A new city was founded based on Renaissance concepts rooted in mathematics, with streets laid out using navigational tools. This grid system, formed by straight streets creating blocks, represented the first example of a non-fortified city, exemplifying a City of Peace, utilising its natural boundaries for protection: the Barranco de Chamarta and Las Carnicerías, as well as the lagoon and surrounding mountains, which served as natural defensive systems. Additionally, as an inland city, it shielded itself from the continual pirate attacks threatening the Canary coasts. This model would later be replicated in American cities.

In the lower Villa, taking on a Castilian form, the main square was established, around which were built the houses of the Adelantado and the Justice and Government offices of the island. On 3 February 1510, Queen Joanna I of Castile issued a Royal Decree, granting city status and a coat of arms. This featured the Archangel Saint Michael, with military attributes; beneath the saint, a castle and the rampant lion of the kingdoms of Castile and León, guarding a flaming mountain that represents El Teide, surrounded by the sea. The coat was closed with the legend: Michael Archangel, I am made in the aid of the people of Tenerife.

Urban Growth in the 16th Century

Throughout the century, urban growth occurred rapidly. By 1588, military engineer Leonardo Torriani, sent to the islands by Philip II to improve defenses and document them, drew a plan of La Laguna, depicting three convents, six hermitages, the Cabildo, churches, two hospitals, squares, and streets, many of which can still be seen today. The city was described as the largest built after the conquest. The rapid expansion allowed King Charles I to grant it the title of City on 20 January 1531, followed by the designations Noble and Loyal City on 8 September 1534.

Trade and Economic Development

In the 17th century, there was a significant boost in foreign trade with the Netherlands, England, and India, driven by the consolidation of local viticulture. Regions such as Tegueste, La Punta del Hidalgo, Geneto, and Taganana became vital cultivation areas. This led to the rise of a commercial bourgeoisie seeking prominence in a society traditionally characterised by agriculture. By mid-century, uncontrolled wine production resulted in a loss of fields for cereal cultivation and livestock grazing. The high bread prices prompted the Ayuntamiento to intervene, enforcing grain price reductions and regulating cultivation areas through ordinances.

The 18th Century: Prosperity and Enlightenment

The 18th century marked a period of great prosperity and socio-economic change in the Canaries and La Laguna. It was the Age of Enlightenment, during which education, administration, agriculture, and the arts flourished, revitalising the islands’ economy through free trade.

Under the banner of free thought and critical perspectives, gatherings of an intellectual nature arose with reformative intentions, questioning social, religious, cultural, and economic issues on the island. In La Laguna, the Tertulia de Nava was the most notable, led by D. Tomás Lino de Nava Grimón y Porlier (1734-1779), a man of considerable intellectual curiosity and political responsibility. His successor, D. Alonso de Nava-Grimón y Benítez de Lugo (1759-1832), promoted the establishment of the Real Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País de Tenerife (1777) and encouraged the founding of the University of San Fernando (1792).

Decline and Capital Changes

From the mid-19th century, La Laguna began to lose its power to Santa Cruz due to the relocation of the Captain Generals and the growth of the Santa Cruz port. In the new century, the diocese of Tenerife was separated from that of Las Palmas; La Laguna received the Bull of Pius VII for the establishment of the new bishopric on 1 February 1818.

Political Challenges and Development

The War of Independence and the creation of an alternative government, such as the Supreme Board of the Canaries, influenced the political landscape in La Laguna. This marked the beginning of a new period of instability, including the administrative reorganisation following the Cádiz Cortes (1812) and the loss of exclusive capital status for the Canaries (1833).

Communication Improvements in the 19th Century

By the end of the 19th century, La Laguna experienced significant improvements in communication. Publicly, the landscaped promenades emerged, streets and squares were paved, with the most notable project being the upgrading of the road to Santa Cruz, an essential route between the capital and the rest of the island. In 1901, a tram system commenced operations, extending its lines from Santa Cruz to Tacoronte by 1911.

Emigration Trends

Socially, at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, several waves of emigration to America occurred, particularly towards Cuba and Venezuela, significantly affecting La Laguna’s population.

Preservation of Heritage

The historical fluctuations of San Cristóbal de La Laguna have not led to substantial changes in its structures and urban layout. The coexistence of ancient Mudejar-style houses, old convents, eclectic architecture, and new urban planning characterises the contemporary era. This culminated in the recognition by UNESCO’s Historical Heritage Committee on 2 December 1999 in Marrakech, which acknowledged the unique values and authenticity of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, awarding it the status of Cultural World Heritage Site.

Territory, from the Holy Spirit (Convent of San Agustín)