Tenerife’s San Cristóbal de La Laguna to Launch Interactive Lighting Project to Highlight Heritage

Managing historical sites in Spain often involves a difficult balancing act: preserving the past while keeping city centers vibrant and modern. In San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, the local council is tackling this by launching a new project to transform the nighttime atmosphere of Calle San Agustín through creative lighting.

Part of the city’s World Heritage Site Management Plan, the project aims to do more than just provide streetlights; it intends to use light to tell the city’s story. The plan involves installing "gobo" projectors, which can cast historical symbols, patterns, and references to the city’s 500-year history onto sidewalks and building facades. Currently in the planning stages, the project is being designed to be energy-efficient and respectful of the city’s protected architecture, ensuring that public safety and heritage conservation remain the top priorities.

What makes this initiative unique is the city’s commitment to involving the public. Starting July 30, the La Laguna City Council will host both in-person and digital workshops, inviting residents to help decide which historical figures and stories should be featured in the projections.

Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez and Heritage Councilor Adolfo Cordobés see this as a modern way to share the city’s history. Once the project is underway, officials will analyze its impact on the protected area and gather feedback from residents and visitors. If successful, the city may consider expanding the lighting to other parts of the historic district. This approach highlights a growing trend among World Heritage cities: finding sustainable ways to blend historical preservation with modern technology.