Casa de los Balcones is a 17th-century manor house and museum on Calle San Francisco in La Orotava, Tenerife. Built in 1632, it is known for its hand-carved wooden balconies and a traditional courtyard. Inside, furnished rooms show how well-off local families lived, alongside displays of Canarian crafts such as embroidery. Look for the bedrooms, kitchen and vintage bathroom, then browse the craft shop. The visit brings together domestic history, architecture and local handiwork in one historic house.
A manor house from 1632
Casa de los Balcones stands on Calle San Francisco in La Orotava’s historic center. Built in 1632, the three-storey house is associated with the Méndez-Fonseca family and is known as one of the town’s leading examples of traditional Canarian architecture.
Its upper storey has a long balcony, while the façade also has balconies on the floor below. The carved woodwork is a defining detail of the building. Canarian pine is identified among the materials used for the balconies, which were made by hand.
Rooms arranged around a courtyard
The house is now a museum, with rooms furnished to evoke the daily life of a wealthy local family in past centuries. Bedrooms, dining areas, a kitchen and a vintage bathroom give the visit a domestic focus. Original furniture and decorative details help show how the rooms were used.
The interior courtyard is another central part of the house. It brings together the rooms and offers a closer view of the balconies from inside. Historic photographs and memorabilia are also displayed in the house.
Canarian crafts and local products
Traditional handicrafts are part of the museum’s story. Displays include calado, a form of Canarian embroidery, as well as other local craftwork. Workshops may be operating during a visit, so ask at the entrance if you would like to see artisans at work.
There is also a shop selling handmade goods and local products. Take time to look at the textiles and craft items alongside the displays, which connect the house’s architecture and rooms with the island’s craft traditions.
FAQ
Where is Casa de los Balcones?
It is at Calle San Francisco, 3, in La Orotava, Tenerife.
How long does a visit take?
Allow about an hour to explore the house and its displays.
Is there an audio guide?
You can use your smartphone as an audio guide. Scan the barcode at the entrance for the online tour description, and bring headphones if you want to listen privately.
Can you see traditional crafts there?
Yes. The museum displays Canarian crafts including calado embroidery, and workshops may be operating during your visit.
