In the heart of the historic centre of El Paso, a small building holds one of La Palma’s most delicate and fascinating treasures: the Silk Museum – Las Hilanderas. Here, surrounded by spindles, looms and embroidery, silk comes to life, still made entirely by hand, just like it was centuries ago.
Useful Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Calle Manuel Taño, El Paso, La Palma |
| Opening Hours | Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 14:00 |
| Ideal for | Art lovers, fashion enthusiasts, craft fans, history buffs |
| How to get there | By car (in the centre of El Paso) or by bus line 300 + 5-minute walk |
| Admission | € 3.00 |
| Gift Shop | Unique, handmade silk products |
Where Silk is Still an Art
The Silk Museum is not just a museum, it’s a working artisan workshop, where skilled hands turn raw silk into delicate creations using ancient techniques. The full traditional process is still preserved here:
- Silkworm breeding
- Spinning
- Weaving
- Final embroidery
This textile art, extinct in the rest of Europe, is kept alive on La Palma by a small group of passionate women who continue a craft passed down through generations.
Handmade with Soul: Take Home a Piece of History
The museum shop is a hidden gem, offering handmade pieces crafted with care and time:
- Scarves
- Ties
- Handbags
- Silk squares
- Unique embroidery
Each item is a one-of-a-kind creation, perfect as a meaningful and elegant souvenir of your journey.
Palmero Silk: A Centuries-Old Tradition
Silk arrived on La Palma in the 16th century and soon became a vital part of the local economy. While it was originally a male-dominated trade, over time it became the domain of women, who perfected the craft and made it famous across Europe.
For centuries, La Palma’s embroidered silks were exported to mainland Spain and Flanders, renowned for their high quality. But in the 18th century, cotton began to replace silk. Today, Las Hilanderas is the only place in Europe where the entire silk-making process is still carried out by hand.
Local Tip
If you’re passionate about fashion, textile art or traditional crafts, don’t miss the Embroidery Museum (Museo del Bordado) at La Casa Roja in Villa de Mazo. You’ll discover a beautiful collection of traditional Canarian embroidery, along with its rich history and cultural significance.
Directions to the Silk Museum
