The original image of the Virgin, believed to have appeared on a beach in 1392, was lost at sea during a flood in 1826.
The current statue is a 19th-century reproduction by sculptor Fernando Estévez.
The statue was granted a canonical coronation by the Pope in 1889.
The plaza outside the basilica contains nine large bronze statues representing the Guanche 'menceyes' (kings) of the island's ancient kingdoms.
The basilica is built on the site where the indigenous people originally housed the statue they found on the shore.
Every August, thousands of pilgrims hike from across Tenerife to reach the basilica for the feast of the Virgin.
The interior contains paintings by local artist José Aguiar, known for his murals in the Canary Islands.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria is the primary sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin of Candelaria, the patron saint of the Canary Islands. The current structure, completed in 1959, replaces several previous chapels destroyed by fire or natural disasters. It serves as a major pilgrimage site, officially designated as a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011. The interior houses the venerated wooden statue of the Black Madonna, which is central to Canarian religious identity. Architecturally, the building reflects a mixture of neoclassical and modern influences, featuring a prominent tower and a expansive central nave. It stands directly on the coastline overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, integrating local maritime traditions into its liturgical life. The site also commemorates the historical meeting between Spanish explorers and the indigenous Guanches.
From the edge of the seaside plaza looking back toward the main tower with the ocean in the foreground.
Walk the seaside promenade after your visit to view the bronze Guanche statues from the water's edge.
Check the local religious calendar for August, as the town becomes extremely crowded during the major pilgrimage festivities.
Visit the nearby caves, specifically the Cave of Achbinico, which is considered the first Christian sanctuary in the Canary Islands.
Taking flash photography near the altar or during ongoing religious ceremonies.
The basilica remains active for daily worship; access to specific areas may be restricted during private masses or major liturgical holidays.
Maintain silence during services, remove hats, and ensure shoulders and knees are covered when entering the sanctuary.
