Iglesia del Amparo, church building in Icod de los Vinos, Spain
The Iglesia del Amparo is a church in Icod de los Vinos on Tenerife with thick stone walls and a simple rectangular shape. The interior features a low wooden ceiling with carved flower and ribbon details, a modest altar, and small side chapels decorated with paintings of saints from the 18th century.
The church was founded in 1598 by Pedro Mendez, known as Pedro de la Cruz, and housed an image of the Virgin Mary that he brought from Rome. In the early 1700s, new sections such as a sacristy were added, and the structure has maintained this form since.
The church has long served as a gathering place for residents of Icod de los Vinos, particularly in August for the feast of the Virgin of Amparo. The square fills with music, decorations, fruits, and sugar offerings as families come together to honor longstanding traditions.
The church is open to visitors during daytime hours and sits in the main square of Icod de los Vinos near other historical sites. The area is quiet and safe, with plenty of space to explore the square and surrounding buildings.
Legend holds that the original Virgin image may have been a papal gift brought back from a visit to Rome by the founder. Today, the sugar figurines and colorful baskets from the August celebrations remain stories of pride for longtime residents.
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