Historic Choir Grille Restored at Santa Catalina Monastery in La Laguna
The Tenerife Island Council has unveiled the restored 17th-century choir grille at the Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, marking the completion of a 70,000-euro project to preserve the site's Baroque heritage.
The restored choir grille at the Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena in San Cristóbal de La Laguna has been officially unveiled. More than just a repair project, this restoration is a vital step in preserving the Canarian Baroque identity. The Tenerife Island Council invested 70,000 euros to return the grille—a key feature of this site, which has been an Asset of Cultural Interest since 2013—to its original glory.
The project, overseen by expert Candelaria Díaz, was significant because the grille is attributed to Cristóbal Hernández Quintana, a major figure in the region's art history. Because the piece is made from a complex mix of materials and techniques, the team used scientific analysis to stop its decay and ensure the stability of a structure that has stood for four centuries.
A ceremony held on September 10, 2026, marked the completion of the work. Attendees included Island President Rosa Dávila, Bishop Eloy Santiago, and Miguel Ángel Clavijo, the Canary Islands' Director General of Culture and Cultural Heritage. They were joined by local officials and representatives from the Dominican community, including prioresses Sister María Cleofé López and Sister Montserrat Román.
For local authorities, this project is part of a broader commitment to protecting heritage for future generations. Beyond preserving an important piece of art, the restoration strengthens the cultural identity of La Laguna. The monastery remains a center of devotion, particularly for those honoring "La Siervita," and serves as a landmark that continues to attract cultural tourism to the islands.