Statues of the Menceyes (Candelaria)
The sculptural ensemble of the Menceyes consists of nine bronze statues representing the nine Guanche kings who ruled the menceyatos of Tenerife at the time of the Castilian conquest (late 15th century). They were created by the sculptor from La Laguna, José Abad, and inaugurated on August 13, 1993, in the Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias, next to the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, replacing previous sculptures. The figures, attributed to the menceyes Acaymo, Adjona, Añaterve, Bencomo, Beneharo, Pelicar, Pelinor, Romén, and Tegueste, stand on bases of volcanic rock aligned on one side of the square, facing the ocean.
The square is the heart of the town and a meeting point for pilgrims, and the statues have become one of the most recognizable symbols of Candelaria and the island's aboriginal past.
Gallery
Essential information
Accessibility
It is located in the Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias, in front of the Basilica of Candelaria, in the heart of the town; by car, it can be reached via the TF-1 highway (about 20 minutes from Santa Cruz de Tenerife) and there is surface parking in the area of Avenida Marítima, although it fills up quickly on weekends and holidays. Candelaria is connected by TITSA buses with Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and the south of the island; being an open public square at street level, access is free, unrestricted, and flat, suitable for people with reduced mobility.
