TEROR GRAN CANARIA

Surrounded by green hills, the inland town of Teror is the island's greatest architectural gem, surviving unblemished in fine old Canarian style. One side of the imposing central square contains the basilica of Nuestra Senora de los Pinos, the Church of our Lady of the Pines, patron saint of the whole island. The other three sides of the square (and the complex of buildings behind the basilica) represent the best of manorial Canarian building.

The Casa Museo de los Patrones de la Virgen is a 17th century mansion open as a museum when the owners are not in residence. Furnished rooms around a beautiful patio, particularly the domestic accommodation such as bedrooms and kitchen, are fascinating. A small, irregularly shaped square leading off the Plaza del Pino is dedicated to Teresa de Bolivar, born in Teror. Her son was Simon Bolivar, the South American revolutionary hero. The country of Bolivia bears his name.

Time your visit for a Sunday morning, when a lively market for general and local goods takes place behind the church. Look out for specialties like marzipan cakes made by Cistercian nuns, varieties of bread, cheese and sausages particularly the chorizo rojo, the red sausage of Teror (with a soft consistency, like a paste).