Ermita de San Miguel

Was it faith or defiance that first brought the Ermita de San Miguel into being? We stand before the Ermita de San Miguel. It’s a simple structure, yet it whispers tales of resilience and adaptation. In 1695, the residents of Tuineje yearned for a spiritual sanctuary. They envisioned a hermitage dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel. Their dream took shape in 1702 when the first mass was celebrated within its nascent walls. Imagine the Ermita de San Miguel then: a single-nave building, its roof sloping on two sides, a protective crenellated wall encircling it. A painting, displayed on the retablo bench, depicts this early form. It shows the Ermita de San Miguel during the 1740 Battle of Tamacite, a testament to its enduring presence amidst the island’s history. The Ermita de San Miguel wasn’t static. It evolved with the community’s needs. In 1764, the parishioners decided to add a main chapel. This expansion, overseen by master builder Juan Cabrera de la Rosa, was completed in 1782. A few years later, Tuineje gained independence as a Beneficio. The Ermita de San Miguel, already boasting its new chapel and a dark, volcanic stone tower, became the church for the entire Beneficio. This newfound status called for further expansion. A second nave was constructed, possibly under the guidance of master builder Manuel Rodríguez del Pino. The Ermita de San Miguel as we see it today, with its two naves, sloping roofs, and distinct four-sloped presbytery, is a testament to its continuous growth. The interior of the Ermita de San Miguel also holds layers of history. Notice the sturdy Tuscan columns supporting rounded arches, crafted from light-colored volcanic stone. These are the work of master masons Francisco Martín and his son, Diego. Their payment? A combination of money and wheat, a tangible link to the island’s agricultural past.