La Concepción: History and Heritage in Adeje

La Concepción is located in Tijoco de Arriba, within the municipality of Adeje, and combines a local architectural history with memories of former milling activity and recurring festivities. The character of the place can be explored through the Ermita de la Concepción, the threshing floor and the history of the hamlet. Religious art, architectural development, past work and local traditions offer different points of interest if you are looking for a destination with a cultural and historical character for your trip.

Culture and History

The Ermita de la Concepción is located in Tijoco de Arriba (Adeje). It has a rectangular floor plan, with a sacristy attached. The roof is tiled and hipped, and the building is topped by a small bell gable. A hipped roof has sloping surfaces on the gable ends as well; the tiles describe the roofing material. The shape and material are therefore two different features. Inside the hermitage is a dressed statue of Our Lady of the Conception dating from the 17th century. The present-day hermitage was built in 1668 to replace an earlier structure. After a period of decline, it was restored and blessed in 1918. It is the only surviving building of the former estate.

The Era de la Concepción is a circular threshing floor about twelve metres in diameter. It is situated between houses and serves as a courtyard. The threshing floor is believed to have been used by local residents. The hamlet’s origins are also linked to a milling facility: in 1558, Antonio de Castro had a second milling facility built in the Heredamiento de Tijoco, contributing to the creation of the hamlet or district of La Concepción. Another historical reference is El Ingenio, the name still used for the former site of the sugar cane mill below the hermitage.

Festivities and Local Traditions

The celebration in La Concepción takes place in late September and commemorates the Virgin of La Concepción. As part of the celebration, the festival committee organises a series of public gatherings. La Concepción also takes part in Cruz de Mayo, an Adeje tradition. The way this tradition is celebrated each year may vary. If you are planning to travel for a festival, check the exact dates in advance.

Getting There and the Surrounding Region

Bus routes 448 and 449 connect Adeje Casco with La Caleta and improve public transport links to La Concepción. Check the current timetable and route before travelling, as routes and stops may change.

In the wider region around La Concepción lies the protected landscape area of Barranco de Erques. It features a rugged landscape with a geomorphological structure representative of Tenerife’s geology. For an excursion in the area, Quesería Montesdeoca in Tijoco Bajo, in the mid-altitudes of Adeje, offers guided visits to its farm, which has more than 1,000 goats. During the visits, you can watch artisan cheese being made and taste the cheese; please confirm availability before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Puertito, Las Moraditas, Los Menores, Playa Paraiso, Fañabé, Callao Salvaje, Marazul, Armeñime.

For the main travel overview: Adeje.