The building is officially known as Casa Lercaro, named after the prominent Genoese merchant family who commissioned its construction in 1593.
According to local folklore, the house is haunted by the ghost of Catalina Lercaro, who allegedly committed suicide by throwing herself down the building's well to avoid an arranged marriage.
The collection includes the original 1590 map of Tenerife by Leonardo Torriani, a military engineer sent by Philip II.
The museum holds an extensive collection of 18th-century silver objects, demonstrating the influence of American trade on local craftsmanship.
The architectural layout retains the classic 'corrala' style typical of high-status residences in La Laguna during the Renaissance period.
The Museum of the History of Tenerife is housed within the 16th-century Casa Lercaro, a prime example of traditional Canary Island architecture located in the historic center of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. The permanent collection covers the social, economic, and cultural development of the island from the 15th to the 20th century. Key features of the building include a central courtyard, wooden galleries, and traditional stone masonry. Exhibits include historical maps, cartography, religious art, and personal artifacts of the Lercaro family. The museum highlights the island's role as a strategic commercial point in the Atlantic trade routes. It displays a significant collection of silverwork and decorative arts that reflect the wealth generated during the colonial period.
The central courtyard featuring the traditional wooden balcony and staircase.
Visit the inner courtyard first to appreciate the architecture before moving to the permanent galleries.
Allocate time to walk the surrounding streets of La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, after your museum visit.
Check the museum's temporary exhibition schedule online, as they frequently rotate displays in the upper galleries.
Do not rush through the exhibits; the significance of the history is contained within the details of the artifacts, not just the large displays.
Closed on some public holidays; verify local Canary Island holiday calendar before visiting.
