Iglesia de San Matías stands on Plaza San Matías in Artenara, a village in Gran Canaria. Built in 1870, it has two tall towers, a separate belfry and a clock tower. Inside, look for stained-glass windows and murals by Gran Canarian artist José Arencibia Gil, including a scene of the Ascension in the presbytery. The wooden ceiling, painted biblical scenes in the side chapels, images and relics give the interior plenty to see. Visit quietly and check that a service is not in progress before going inside.
A church on Artenara’s main square
Iglesia de San Matías was built in 1870 on Plaza San Matías, in the village of Artenara on Gran Canaria. Its scale is striking within a small village centre. Two high towers rise above the church, with a separate belfry and clock tower adding to the exterior’s distinctive outline.
The church is part of Artenara’s well-kept centre. It makes a natural stop alongside the Ethnographic Museum of Casas Cuevas, which presents the town’s cultural history and traditions.
Murals, stained glass and carved wood
Inside, look for the work of Gran Canarian artist José Arencibia Gil. His murals include the Ascension of Jesus in the presbytery and biblical scenes in the side chapels. Stained-glass windows bring colour to the interior, while the hand-worked wooden ceiling spans the church above.
The church also holds images and relics, including an 18th-century image of Saint Matthias the Apostle attributed to the school of sculptor Luján Pérez. Allow time to look around rather than treating the visit as a quick glimpse; one visitor’s stop lasted about twenty minutes.
FAQ
Where is Iglesia de San Matías?
It is on Plaza San Matías in Artenara, on Gran Canaria.
What should I look for inside the church?
Look for José Arencibia Gil’s murals and stained glass, the carved wooden ceiling, side-chapel scenes and an 18th-century image of Saint Matthias.
How long does a visit take?
About 20 to 30 minutes gives you time to see the church interior and its artwork.
