Orotava’s town hall

The building you see in front of you is La Orotava’s town hall. Before it was built in 1870, this spot was home to the Convent of the Clarisse Sisters of Saint Joseph. If you head down to the basement of the town hall, you can still see the old vaults. The neoclassical building you see today was originally meant to be completed in just two years, but due to constant funding issues, architects Pedro Maffiote and Manuel Oraà took 25 years to finish it. Construction wasn’t completed until 1895. If you take a closer look at the triangular pediment above, you’ll spot the city’s coat of arms surrounded by sculpted figures symbolising Agriculture, Justice, History, and Education. The square in front of you is the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. If you happen to be here during Corpus Christi, this is where you’ll witness the town’s most spectacular event — the creation of La Orotava’s largest sand and flower carpet. If not, you’ll have to imagine this 870-square-metre masterpiece made of finely sifted volcanic sand, depicting elaborate religious scenes. The tradition dates back to 1847, but it wasn’t until 1906, during a visit from King Alfonso XIII, that the town hall square was decorated for the first time. Since then, the tradition has become one of La Orotava’s most iconic celebrations.