The image shows an exterior part of the ancient San José castle, a historical structure in the Canary Islands, with white walls and black stone details at the corners, alongside a red-tiled roof.
2 minutes of reading

Located in the municipality of Breña Baja in La Palma

Old Church of San José, Breña Baja, La Palma

Church of San José in the municipality of Breña Baja, La Palma Island

The Church of San José is one of the most emblematic monuments of the municipality of Breña Baja, on the island of La Palma. This historic temple, with nearly four centuries of parish life, is a key piece of religious and cultural heritage of the island.

History of the San José temple

Its origins date back to the mid- 16th century, when a small rural hermitage dedicated to San José was built by the local residents and property owners. In the early 17th century, that first building was on the brink of collapse and was demolished to construct a new one on the same site.

In 1637, the temple was officially elevated to parish, the the first in the Canary Islands under the patronage of San José. Its first parish priest was Licentiate Francisco Arias de Benavides.

Traditional Canary architecture

The church preserves the typical style of the Canary religious architecture of the 17th century. It has a single nave, a main chapel separated by a stone arch, and a side chapel. Its choir was completed in 1658, and the baroque pulpit, from 1699, replaced an earlier one.

The The main façade follows a vertical scheme with door, balcony, and bell tower, which gives it a sober and elegant character, very representative of the palm churches of the time.

Restoration and heritage value

Due to its historical and artistic value, the temple is recognized as Cultural Heritage Asset (BIC). Between 2003 and 2008, it underwent a profound restoration, and in 2015 it reopened its doors, coinciding with the eve of the San José festival. Today, it remains the mother parish of Breña Baja.

Visit it on your trip to La Palma

If you are planning a visit to La Palma, don’t miss this architectural gem of Breña Baja. Since it is active, it is best to visit during worship hours or consult the parish beforehand. Additionally, you can combine the visit with a walk through the nearby Los Cancajos beach, also in Breña Baja, or through the historic center of Santa Cruz de La Palma, which you can see live on our webcams.

Scroll to top