Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Regla (Hermitage of Our Lady of Regla), Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The Hermitage of Our Lady of Regla is a charming and historically rich chapel. Built in the 17th century-initially as a dedication to Our Lady of Guadalupe in the 1640s, and later rededicated to the Virgin of Regla-it was constructed to serve the local garrison stationed at the nearby Castle of San Juan.

Though its plain white-and-red exterior and bell tower radiate rustic charm, the hermitage has endured the passage of time and experienced restorations. Fortunately, the cherished statue of the “The Little Dark-Skinned Virgin of Santa Cruz”, was carefully moved to the nearby Ermita de San Telmo church during the renovation and was later returned.

Step inside this intimate sanctuary and you’ll discover more than just one Marian devotion. Alongside the Virgin of Regla, the interior hosts statues of Saint Lazarus, Saint Roch, and Saint Francis of Assisi. Every 8th of the month, the chapel holds special Masses in honor of the Virgin, and on September 8th-her feast day-a procession spills into the surrounding streets and heads to the Our Lady of Africa Market.