Restoring History

Plaza de la Candelaria

      I read a book several years ago about a victorian traveler who visited the Canary Islands. Her documented account of the places she visited was and still is of great interest to me.

    One such location was, Plaza Candelaria, in the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Even in the mid 19th century by her description, it was a bustling Square, as it is now. Located with easy access to the port, in the days of the steamship the weary traveler didn't have far to go before reaching a hotel, here.

        While many buildings facades will have changed immensely, one which hasn't is the Palacio de Carta. Built in 1721 this excellent example of the Canarian Baroque style was initially built as the family home of Matias Rodriguez Carta.

Palacio de Carta

    This stone structure was the first building in Santa Cruz de Tenerife to be protected as a place of cultural interest and one of the first in the whole of the Canary Islands.

    At present, it is under restoration to return it to its former glory,and the tales of its bloodied past will be retold when it becomes home to a history museum. In days gone by, the building was the site of a military coup in 1936 when 2 people were killed and was also residence to 19 General Captains, its walls bursting to tell a story.

  Amongst the many island's heirlooms to be exhibited will be the famous Tiger Cannon which was used to defend the city from the attack in the Battle of Santa Cruz.  This documented assault was led by Admiral Horatio Nelson and the cannon is said to have fired the shot that cost the admiral his right arm. 

    I can't wait to visit here once fully restored.



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