Pigeon Infestation Threatens Newly Restored Arico Church Bell Tower

Preserving historical heritage in the Canary Islands is facing a new challenge in Arico, where the recent renovation of the Church of San Juan Bautista has failed to stop damage caused by local wildlife. Just eight months after the restoration was completed, the Cabildo of Tenerife has announced it will replace the bell tower’s current protection system with a more rigid structure to keep out pigeons that are threatening the building's integrity.

Parish priest Cristo Manuel León described the situation as difficult to manage, noting that the tower is now closed to the public. The buildup of bird waste is not only a health hazard but is also corroding the wood and chasnera stone—materials that were carefully restored during the recent project. That project, which also repaired the sacristy and restored the bells after decades of silence, is now at risk because the birds have found ways to bypass the original plastic mesh.

After inspecting the site, architects and specialists from the island council are considering more robust solutions, such as metal frames or clear enclosures, to fully seal the area. These repairs are urgent, as the church is more than just an architectural landmark; built in 1639, it is a symbol of community spirit, having been funded by residents from across the municipality.

The bond between the town and the church remains strong. When official action was delayed, the local community stepped in, using funds raised during the 13th Bajada de la Virgen de Abona to help pay for the bell protection. The fact that the birds are still getting inside highlights the difficulty of maintaining 18th-century structures against modern environmental issues, forcing authorities to rethink their approach while the bell tower remains off-limits.