Church San Gines (Arrecife): visit + photos

During your visit to the charming San Gines neighborhood in Arrecife, you won’t want to miss this lovely church, typical of the Canary Islands.
Here are some helpful tips for planning your visit to the San Gines Church.

This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

Content

Is a visit to San Gines worthwhile?

What you can see

Iglesia San Gines in Arrecife: how to get there

Visit: useful tips

Is a visit to San Gines worthwhile?

Yes, the San Ginés Church in Arrecife is worth a visit. This parish church, located in the historic district, is the oldest and most important in the city. It features architecture typical of the Canary Islands, with a Mudejar-style ceiling and walls made of volcanic stone.
This is one of Arrecife’s main attractions.

What you can see

The lime facade

The facade is both simple and elegant, with a beautiful tree-lined plaza in front of it. Take the time to admire it from different angles and notice:

Its whitewashed walls are typical of Canary Island architecture.
Its bell tower, on the right-hand side, not too high so that we can see the bells.
The overall architecture of the façade reflects the traditional style of Canary Islands churches.
Its semi-circular pediment
Lava stone to accentuate corners

San Gines is the patron saint of Arrecife. The full name of the church is the Mother Church of San Ginés Obispo.

Interior structure

This church dates from 1665 (but stands on the site of an older church from 1564, which was moved slightly to avoid flooding). It was modified in the 19th century, including, among other things, the extension of the nave and the bell tower.

The church has a square floor plan with three naves. Notice the arches separating the naves; they are elegant and unusual.

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Wooden ceiling

Our favorite architectural feature was the Mudejar-style wooden ceiling.
The sculptures weren’t too ornate. We thought the stylistic effect was very successful.

Painting La Charité

The church isn’t cluttered with paintings and sculptures, and everything stands out clearly against the white walls.
Among the works on display, be sure to check out this painting of eight figures depicting the Act of Charity. This is a painting by Manuel Ponce de León from 1847.

The little organ

It’s not a masterpiece, but we found the church’s tiny organ surprising, so we’re sharing a photo with you. We would have loved to hear how it sounded—and what its limitations were.

Le Tableau des Animas

On the opposite wall, you’ll also find the “Tableau des Animas,” which dates from 1819. It is a work by Don Luis de la Cruz y Ríos, painter to King Ferdinand VII.
There we discover the Holy Trinity and saints who have attained various levels of perfection.
As in the other painting, we see Charity here, leading the way from Purgatory to Heaven.

The chapels

On the sides you’ll also find good-sized chapels with more sculptures and paintings.

The stained glass windows

Be sure to take a moment to look at the small stained-glass windows as well. They are very colorful, and sometimes surprising.

HAVE FUN WITH THESE Lanzarote activities

Dolphin watching
Buggy / Quad
Kayak excursion
But also: Diving at the Museum of the Atlantic, Catamaran outings, Paddle excursions, Parasailing

See all activities in Lanzarote -> Lanzarote

Iglesia San Gines in Arrecife: how to get there

Where to find the church

In Arrecife
In the old town, to the north, near the San Gines fishing port
from Costa Teguise: 15 min,
from Puerto del Carmen: 20 min,
from Playa Blanca: 35 min.

Map of Arrecife, Lanzarote — Map: Arrecide on Lanzarote

Access by car and parking

The church is on a semi-pedestrian street.

As far as parking is concerned, there are several parking lots throughout the city. We particularly recommend Parking Islas Canarias on Avenida de la Mancomunidad. It’s not free, but it has the great advantage of being open 24 hours a day.

OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Lanzarote

Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
A small car is all you need.
But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
Demand is high, so book early.

See available cars ->

Read our tips

Visiting difficulties

It’s easy to explore the neighborhood and the church. The floors are in good condition.

Visit: useful tips

Schedules and prices

Access free of charge.
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Mass is held every day at 7:30 p.m., and on some days at other times as well.

How long

Allow 15min.

Eating out

You’re in the old town; there are a few taverns around here.
We had some orange juice at Strava – Vermuteria, where the atmosphere was great.

Church San Gines (Arrecife): visit + photos

Is a visit to San Gines worthwhile?