Founded at the beginning of the 15th century, Betancuria bears the name of the island's conqueror, Jean de Béthencourt. In the tranquil village you are in the geographical center of Fuerteventura.
The church of Santa Maria de Betancuria was built in 1410 in the Norman-Gothic style. In 1424 it was converted into the first cathedral in the Canary Islands. Today only the first part of the bell tower and the feet of the columns remain from the original construction. In 1620, Santa Maria de Betancuria was rebuilt in the Mudejar style, giving it its three-aisled shape.
Inside, the altarpiece from the second half of the 17th century is striking, as is the rich paneling, which can be especially admired in the sacristy. The painted wooden choir stalls and the baptistery are also worth seeing. The layout of the floor, under which old graves are located, is striking.
Right next to the church courtyard is an old manor house that houses a restaurant. Also worth seeing are the San Diego de Alcalá pilgrimage chapel, the monastery church, near the ruins of the Franciscan monastery Convento de Buenaventura, as well as the Museum of Religious Art (Museo Arto Sacro) and the Historical Museum (Casa Museo de Betancuria).
