Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of Tenerife, a city with a population of 205 thousand people. Until 1927, Santa Cruz de Tenerife was the only capital of the Canary Island, but in 1927, this role was forwarded to Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria. Santa Cruz de Tenerife boasts the largest marina in Spain, as well as various architectural styles that make the city beautiful, most notably the building of the Auditorium designed by Santiago Calatrava, who is considered to be one of the most important modern-style architects of the world.
In 2012, The Guardian included Santa Cruz de Tenerife into the list of five best places in the world to live in. Before the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, the city was inhabited by the indigenous Guanchos, proof of which can be found in several archeological sites, as well as from the famous San Andrés Mummy. The city was, however, finally conquered in 1484 by the Spanish, led by Fernández de Lugo.
During the 16th century, the city experienced a period of economic growth, which saw it become an important trade and transit hub en route to America, which also strengthened trade connections with England. The British then wanted to pay a visit to the island, even organizing three failed attacks on Tenerife between 1657 and 1797.
In 1893, a cholera epidemic spread through the city and the nearby municipalities. The outburst was caused by an Italian ship that made a stop at the island while it was returning from Brazil.
In 1927, during the dictatorship of General Miguel Primo de Rivera, the Canary Islands were divided into two separate provinces of Las Palmas and that of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. From that year on, the role of capital of the archipelago was divided between the cities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas on Gran Canaria.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a beautifull small paradise on Earth, a place of beautiful landscapes, colonial-style streets and buildings and, above all, it is home to very hospitable people who welcome guests as their own. This city is truly a place you must visit in your lifetime.
The most notable landmarks of Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
The Auditorium: this building was designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. It is situated Avenida de Constitución and is the architectural symbol of the city. Construction began in 1997, lasting until 2003, when the Auditorium was finally opened in a ceremony attended even by Felipe di Borbone, most commonly known as King Felipe VI of Spain.
The Torres de Santa Cruz: these twin towers are the tallest buildings in the city and the entirety of the Canary Islands, reaching a height of 120 meters. In addition to this, they are the tallest twin towers, as well as the tallest residential buildings in all of Spain.
The Plaza de España: this is the main square of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the seat of civil government along with the Cabildo Insular, as well as the heart of the city’s social life. It is the largest square in the Canary Islands, constructed in 1929 where the Castillo de San Cristóbal, a historical castle constructed as a defensive fort against pirates, once stood.
Iglesia Matriz de la Concepción: the most important church in the city, nicknamed “The Cathedral of Santa Cruz de Tenerife”, but not the seat of the local diocese.
Iglesia de San Francesco d’Assisi: This temple, once part of a Franciscan monastery, is the second-most important church in the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Parque GarcÍa Sanabria: opened in 1926, this park is characteristic for it wide variety of plant species, as well as a large collection of sculptural works. It’s the largest urban park in the Canary Islands.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife boasts a large number of parks, which you should make sure to visit once you come to the city.
