La Laguna Unveils High-Precision Replica of Historic 16th-Century Canary Islands Manuscript

Efforts to preserve the history of the Canary Islands have reached a new milestone with the unveiling of a high-quality reproduction of Leonardo Torriani’s 16th-century manuscript at the La Laguna City Council. This project makes a priceless historical document accessible to the public while protecting the fragile original, which is currently housed at the University of Coimbra.

Coordinated by historian Néstor Verona and created by restorer Katarzyna Zych, this scientific replica captures every detail of the original, including its annotations and signs of age. Because it is so accurate, it serves as a valuable resource for researchers and educators rather than just a museum piece. Commissioned by King Philip II, Torriani’s work provides the first systematic record of the islands, featuring over sixty illustrations that detail everything from the urban layout of World Heritage-listed La Laguna to the region's defensive architecture and daily life.

At the presentation, Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez and João Luís de Jesus Fernandes of the University of Coimbra highlighted the strong cultural ties between their two cities. Adolfo Cordobés, head of the Cultural Heritage department, announced that the replica will travel to the various municipalities featured in Torriani’s work—including Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de La Palma, Teguise, Garachico, and San Sebastián de La Gomera—so that local communities can study their own history.

The project continues this Wednesday with expert talks at the former convent of Santo Domingo, featuring anthropologist Pablo Estévez and Colonel Juan Tous Meliá. The initiative will conclude on May 15, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of La Laguna’s designation as a World Heritage Site, when the Casa Anchieta will open an exhibition showcasing this vital piece of the region’s identity to the public.