Plaza de la Libertad is Garachico’s central square, surrounded by historic buildings and shaded gardens. It’s a good place to pause on a walk through town: sit near the bandstand, then look around the square for Santa Ana Church, the Town Hall and the stone-fronted Casa de Piedra. The surrounding lanes have traditional balconies and colorful houses. Visit in December to see the square dressed for Christmas, or use it as a starting point for exploring Garachico on foot.
Buildings around the square
Plaza de la Libertad brings several of Garachico’s notable buildings together. Santa Ana Church dates to 1520. Nearby, the former Convento de San Francisco, founded in 1524, is now the Casa de la Cultura and has a small museum.
The Casa-Palacio de los Condes de La Gomera, also called Casa de Piedra, is known for its stone façade. The Town Hall stands on the square too. Across the gardens, the former church of Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles is now the Natural Science and History Museum.
The bandstand and the Bolívar monument
A wooden bandstand, built in 1912, stands among the square’s gardens. A kiosk is set on its ground floor. The square also has a monument to Simón Bolívar, made in 1970 by Gran Canarian sculptor Juan Jaén.
Bolívar’s connection to Garachico comes through his ancestors, who were from the town. The monument also reflects the links between Garachico and Venezuela, where many people from the town settled.
A starting point for a walk
The square opens onto lanes lined with colorful houses and traditional Canarian balconies. Take time to explore these streets after looking around the main buildings. The gardens and benches provide a place to rest between stops, and the square’s kiosk is a spot to have coffee.
FAQ
What can you see at Plaza de la Libertad?
The square has gardens, a wooden bandstand and a monument to Simón Bolívar. Santa Ana Church, the Town Hall and Casa de Piedra are among the historic buildings around it.
Is Plaza de la Libertad accessible by car?
The square is not accessible by car. Street parking is available on the main roads.
When is a good time to visit Plaza de la Libertad?
December is a good time to see the Christmas decorations and Nativity scenes in the square.
