Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife, has a number of beautiful squares with various sights. Visit the capital of the largest Canary Island and discover something new.
Plaza de España
Plaza de España resembles an enlarged roundabout and is located in the heart of Santa Cruz. Start your discovery tour of the city here and walk across and around the square to soak up the atmosphere. You will find shops here, have a delicious bite to eat or take a walk along the water.
Sights
In the middle of Plaza de España there is a monument that honors the fallen Spaniards. It is a memorial of dictator General Franco . The government headquarters can also be found at Plaza de España, the Cabildo Insular . After the Civil War, Plaza de España was rebuilt, where Castillo de San Cristóbal (the defensive fortress) once stood, until it was destroyed in 1929. The port of Santa Cruz can also be found at the Plaza de España. It is located about half way from the harbour. In the first part there are containers and on the other side close to the square there are ferries, cruise and commercial ships.
Carnival is celebrated on this square for three weeks in February.
Plaza de la Candelaria
This square is connected to Plaza de España and is reminiscent of a wide pedestrian walkway. Unfortunately it has lost a lot of charm. Plaza de la Candelaria was called Plaza Real (Royal Square) and Plaza de Constitución (Constitution Square) until 1787. You will recognize Plaza de la Candelaria by the Palacio de la Carta , which is now a bank building. Inside you will find a patio with the famous wooden balconies. Close by you will find the Santa Cruz Casino and Virgen de la Candelaria overlooks Plaza de la Candelaria.
Sights
In Calle Castillo you will find various shops, where Spaniards but also foreigners shop. Various theater, opera pieces and classical music concerts are performed in Teatro Guimerá . This theater was built around the 19th century and named after the playwright Ángel Guimerá .
Plaza de la Iglesia
On this square you will find the most beautiful church in Santa Cruz: Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción . This church can be recognized in various places in Santa Cruz by the long bell tower. This bell tower was built in the Portuguese Baroque and Moorish style. There has been a church on this site since the 15th century, but unfortunately it was destroyed by fire in the 17th century. The church was built and altered in the 17th and 18th centuries. Inside you will find a mix with five naves divided by pillars and arches.
Alonso Fernandez de Lugo
Alonso Fernández de Lugo is the conqueror of the island. In 1493 he invaded and set up a cross in Santa Cruz. This cross can still be found in the church Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción and is called Santa Cruz de la Conquista (the Holy Cross of Victory). This is how Santa Cruz got its name.