Iglesia de Santa María de Betancuria

Iglesia de Santa María de Betancuria is a beautiful church located in the picturesque village of Betancuria in the Canary Islands, Spain. Built in the 15th century, the church was the central place of worship in the village which was then the capital of the island of Fuerteventura. It is the oldest standing Christian building in the Canary Islands. The main chapel and central nave are supported by four columns of masonry and covered with a zinc roof. The walls of the building are still decorated with some original 16th century frescoes depicting images from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. This ancient church is also the burial ground for the former rulers of the island and provides a fascinating insight into the history of the islands. Visitors can view the original altar of the church and the ancient font. There is also the tombstone of Bishop Don Juan de Quevedo to explore. This ancient and well-preserved religious building is definitely worth a visit.