La Laguna Completes Accessibility Upgrades at Historic Plaza de Santo Domingo

San Cristóbal de La Laguna has taken a significant step toward making its historic city center more accessible. The local city council recently completed renovations around the Plaza de Santo Domingo, a key area within the UNESCO World Heritage site, to remove physical barriers and improve ease of movement.

Led by architect María Luisa Cerrillos, the project replaced an old ramp with a new, gentler version to help people with reduced mobility move around independently. The work also involved removing stone steps, leveling sidewalks, and adjusting curbs at pedestrian crossings. Beyond the ground surface, the team reorganized street furniture and moved sculptures on the Correos platform that had previously blocked foot traffic.

Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez stated that the project directly addresses requests from local residents and reflects the city’s commitment to creating inclusive public spaces. Ángel Chinea, head of the Department of Works, Infrastructure, and Accessibility, noted that this is part of a broader local strategy to eliminate architectural barriers—an effort for which the municipality has received several awards in recent years.

The project also includes new lighting embedded in the perimeter walls to improve safety at night. This renovation marks the first phase of a larger plan to update the square. It highlights the ongoing challenge historic Spanish cities face: modernizing infrastructure to meet accessibility standards while preserving the character and beauty of their cultural landmarks.