Iglesia de Santa María de Betancuria

The Church of Santa María de Betancuria is a monumental parish church located in the historic center of Betancuria, in Fuerteventura, within the historical-artistic ensemble declared for the town. It was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest with the category of Monument in 2019, being linked its movable property and its protection environment. Its origin is located in the 15th century, with the first factory promoted around 1410, although the current church responds to a long history of reforms and reconstructions. The patrimonial sources describe the building as a three-nave construction, with the presbytery and the chapels at the head of the side naves on the same plane. In its historical configuration, elements of Gothic and Mudejar tradition can be recognized, with later Renaissance and Baroque additions. Among the most outstanding documented elements are the Mudejar coffered ceiling of the main roof, decorated and polychrome, and several interior altarpieces, among them the one of the Immaculate Conception. Its heritage value lies both in its antiquity and its central role in the religious history of Betancuria, former main center of the island and one of the most important enclaves of the historical heritage of Fuerteventura.