La Laguna possesses an atmosphere rarely found in Canary Islands. Its shops reflect this unique character. We are discussing a place with its own identity, marked by well-defined traits within a historic centre where many traditional businesses continue to thrive amidst changing times and globalisation.
Here are five businesses in La Laguna that not only boast over 100 years of history but also remain committed to their original philosophy.
Calzados Víctor Núñez
Located at number 74 on Calle Herradores, Calzados Víctor Núñez is described on its website as one of the most traditional shops in San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
“The store opened its doors in 1865 as a hat shop. Over time, we have incorporated footwear and accessories for both men and women,” they explain, emphasising that their commitment to “personalised service” is key to their long-standing success.
Hotel Aguere
This historic building was constructed in 1760 by Cesáreo de la Torre y Ceballos, a native of Lima, captain of Güímar, and a member of the Royal Economic Society of La Laguna. It later became the residence of the Bishop of Tenerife, D. Luis Folgueras, and then a Major College for the Institute of Canarias.
In 1885, it transformed into a hotel and has since welcomed generations of guests while maintaining its classic yet welcoming and familial essence.
Dulcería La Catedral
In August 2024, the shop announced its closure, only to reopen a few months later under the name Dulcería La Laguna, preserving its essence after more than 110 years of history. This long-standing business central to La Laguna, located at the corner of Calle San Juan and Carrera, next to the Cathedral, has been a benchmark for traditional Canary pastry for over a century.
Dulcería La Laguna has taken over this emblematic establishment, maintaining its essence and even retaining some of its staff, including Carmen, who worked for 16 years at the now-closed Dulcería La Catedral.
Dulcería La Catedral was established in 1914 by Doña Rafaela, a woman from Cádiz who moved to La Laguna with her military husband. The shop started as a small business dedicated to crafting sweets by hand.
La Molineta
Located in the central neighbourhood of San Honorario, formerly known as Llanos de los Molinos, the mill of Gofio La Molineta “La Estrella de Oro” was built in the late 19th century (1886) by Isidoro Ortega, a renowned construction figure from La Palma who revolutionised milling practices of the time.
He applied his famed “Ortega System”, introducing revolutionary construction techniques and incorporating a rotation system for the blades, creating a new type of windmill previously unknown in the Canary Islands—the pivot mill.
In 1970, La Molineta became the first mill to package corn and wheat gofio, initially for local shops and later expanding to other islands; it was in 1999 that they established their first contacts with international markets.
Piensos Arturo
Piensos Arturo is a family business established over 100 years ago. Located in Tejina, it began its journey in 1907 and has since been passed down through four generations, continually updating and adapting to market demands.
The shop specialises in the sale of agricultural products, including phytosanitary products, fertilisers, seeds, potatoes, and greenhouse plastics. It also offers a wide range of livestock products, from feed for chickens, rabbits, and pigs to specific accessories.
In the realm of domestic animals, it stocks feed for dogs, cats, and birds, along with cages, aquariums, and other accessories. Additionally, it features a selection of various items, such as charcoal, barbecues, and paella pans, designed to meet different customer needs.
