Monument to José de Anchieta

Monument to José de Anchieta is a bronze statue depicting the missionary with notably large feet and hands holding a staff. The sculpture rises to about 5 meters (16 feet) in height and occupies a prominent location in San Cristóbal de La Laguna.

The monument was created by Italian-Brazilian artist Bruno Giorgi and inaugurated in 1960. It arrived in Tenerife aboard the ship Cabo de San Vicente, commemorating the ties between La Laguna and the Brazilian cities that Anchieta helped establish.

The statue honors José de Anchieta, born in La Laguna in 1534, who later worked as a missionary and influenced the founding of major cities in South America. Visitors can see how this local figure shaped distant lands through his work.

The monument is easily accessible on foot and visible from the surrounding streets, with the bronze developing a natural green patina over the years. Visit during daylight hours to appreciate the details of the sculpture and its craftsmanship.

A tactile model of the statue was created in 2020 to allow blind and visually impaired visitors to explore the sculpture through touch. This accessible reproduction demonstrates how cultural sites can welcome people of all abilities to experience the artwork.

Location: San Cristóbal de La Laguna

Creator: Bruno Giorgi

Official opening: November 27, 1960

GPS coordinates: 28.48086,-16.31842

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:00