The Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Amparo is located in the Barrio del Amparo. Together with the Romería del Poleo, Los Hachitos de San Juan, the Molino de Gofio El Amparo and named walking routes, it reveals different aspects of the area: architectural history, local customs, traditional production and hiking trails.

Hermitage and historic architecture

The hermitage was built in 1598 at the behest of Pedro Méndez, known as Pedro de la Cruz. The architectural complex, including the former hermit's house, is recognised as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC). The protected site therefore includes more than just the church building.

Buildings along the Camino de El Amparo also feature examples of vernacular architecture from the late 18th and 19th centuries. Another historic landmark is Casa Campino: in 2004, the building was designated a Bien de Interés Cultural in the “Monumento” category and is located on the old route that led to the hermitage. Several named buildings thus illustrate different periods in the area's architectural history.

Festivals and local traditions

For the Romería del Poleo, participants climb the mountain to gather poleo for the festival of the Virgin. During the festivities, the gathered leaves decorate the streets of the Barrio del Amparo, and participants dance and sing with them. Poleo also decorates the entrance to the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de El Amparo. At the romería, the Orquesta del Poleo plays traditional music in the rhythm of the tajaraste.

Another local custom is Los Hachitos de San Juan. Flower-covered hachitos, ribbons, seeds and banners are carried up the mountain, where people dance around a bonfire. The Comedias del Amparo are also among the local traditions of Icod de los Vinos and are classified as folk theatre. If you want to plan your trip around a celebration, check the latest dates in advance.

Gofio and artisanal production

The Molino de Gofio El Amparo offers artisanal gofio varieties made from millo, a blend of five cereals and wheat. The specific varieties available may change. The family business was founded in Icod de los Vinos in the 1920s. The cereals listed offer a concrete insight into the range of products, while the company's founding story connects it with the local tradition of food production.

Routes and directions

The Bajada del Poleo begins in Arenas Negras. It follows the Pista de La Montañeta to the Casa Forestal de Icod (El Lagar), then continues along the “El Lance” trail to the Plaza de El Amparo. The route is thus described through a sequence of named starting, intermediate and finishing points.

Numerous trails also lead from El Amparo to the peaks. Check trail conditions before setting out on a hike. A road runs from El Amparo through La Vega to La Montañeta.

Discover more destinations: Vega Alta, Cueva Del Viento, La Florida, Santa Barbara.

Go to the main travel overview: Icod De Los Vinos.