
Casa de la Pólvora (Gunpowder House), Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The Gunpowder House is a hidden gem of 18th-century military architecture. Constructed between 1756 and 1758 under the direction of engineer Francisco La Pierre, this robust structure was originally built to store artillery powder for the city’s coastal defences. Its rectangular basalt stone construction, rounded end walls, and barrel-vaulted roof provided a fire-resistant chamber capable of holding up to 150 000 kg of gunpowder while withstanding potential bombardment.
In 1779, additional earthworks were added to mask the building from naval view and absorb enemy cannon fire, ensuring the safety of its volatile contents. For roughly 150 years, the Gunpowder House served as the island’s primary powder magazine. In 1926, by royal decree, control transferred from the military to the city council, marking the end of its direct military use.
Today, the Gunpowder House remains one of the few surviving fortification buildings. While the interior is not currently open to visitors, the exterior and its scenic riverside gardens offer a glimpse into Tenerife’s defensive past.
In 1779, additional earthworks were added to mask the building from naval view and absorb enemy cannon fire, ensuring the safety of its volatile contents. For roughly 150 years, the Gunpowder House served as the island’s primary powder magazine. In 1926, by royal decree, control transferred from the military to the city council, marking the end of its direct military use.
Today, the Gunpowder House remains one of the few surviving fortification buildings. While the interior is not currently open to visitors, the exterior and its scenic riverside gardens offer a glimpse into Tenerife’s defensive past.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Casa de la Pólvora (Gunpowder House) on Map
Sight Name: Casa de la Pólvora (Gunpowder House)
Sight Location: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain (See walking tours in Santa Cruz de Tenerife)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain (See walking tours in Santa Cruz de Tenerife)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Creating your own self-guided walk in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife's Historical Buildings
One has to admit that the Tenerife capital has preserved its historical buildings in great condition. History enthusiasts will find a wealth of sightseeing sites in the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, each weaving a unique narrative of the city's cultural legacy.
Among these architectural gems is the Church of the Immaculate Conception, a testament to the island's deep-rooted... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Among these architectural gems is the Church of the Immaculate Conception, a testament to the island's deep-rooted... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Introduction Walking Tour
There is archeological evidence indicating a civilization two thousand years ago in the area where Santa Cruz stands today. The indigenous people were the Guanches. The island of Tenerife was called Anazo. The famous Mummy of San Andres is an excellent silent witness to those long-ago times. Before the Spaniards there were kingdoms.
On the third of May in 1494, Castilian soldiers commanded by... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
On the third of May in 1494, Castilian soldiers commanded by... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles