The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria is the parish of the municipality of Tías on the island of Lanzarote. It was built in the 18th century and is considered one of the most important churches on the island.

The first hermitage built in honor of the Virgen de la Candelaria was located between the mountains of Tisalaya, Chibusque, Juan Bello, and Montaña Colorada. However, it was burned around 1735 during volcanic eruptions in the area. The image of the Virgen de la Candelaria was rescued and transferred to Villa de Teguise.

After the eruptions, the former owners and parishioner heirs promoted the construction of a new hermitage in the Lugar de Arriba to shelter the image of the Virgin. In 1776, the village of Tías already had the chapel of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria and in 1796 the parish aid was created, which became a parish in 1799.

The church has typical Canarian architecture and stands out for its bell tower with two bodies and a dome. Inside it has a main nave, sacristy, room, baptismal chapel, choir, and belfry with three bells. It also houses valuable images, sculptures, crucifixes, a baptismal font, a harmonium, and other objects.

Attached to the hermitage is the oldest cemetery in Lanzarote, built-in 1799. Its most outstanding elements are the walls, the pediment, the arch, and the battlements. In 1999, this set of buildings was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) by the Resolution of the Cabildo de Lanzarote.

The church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria is also known for its patron saint festival, which is celebrated in February. During the festivity, processions are held and various religious and cultural acts are held in honor of the Virgen de la Candelaria, patron saint of Tías.

In short, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria is a place of great historical and religious value for the community of Tías in Lanzarote. Its construction and dedication are closely related to the history of the island and its volcanic eruptions. In addition, it is a place of pilgrimage and devotion for the faithful who visit the church and venerate the Virgin of Candelaria.

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