Castillo de San Cristobal (San Cristobal Castle), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Nestled within the quaint fishing neighborhood of San Cristóbal, the Torreón of San Pedro the Martyr, affectionately known as San Cristobal Castle, stands as a historic sentinel overlooking the Atlantic. Its origins trace back to 1578 when Governor Diego Melgarejo commissioned its construction as part of a comprehensive fortification initiative orchestrated by King Philip II of Spain. The castle underwent significant reconstruction in 1638 following devastating attacks on the city in 1595 by Francis Drake and in 1599 by Pieter van der Does, testament to its enduring importance in safeguarding the city against maritime threats.

Constructed as a round tower situated in the water atop a substantial rock covered with mortar, San Cristobal Castle exemplifies the strategic ingenuity of its builders. Despite its compact footprint, occupying a modest area of 219.04 square meters, the castle's design maximizes its defensive capabilities. With limited space inside, the tower's layout emphasizes functionality and efficiency, featuring a staircase spanning 8.45 square meters and a platform measuring 2.10 meters in size.

Throughout its storied history, San Cristobal Castle served as a steadfast bastion of defense, playing a crucial role in preserving the security of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. For centuries, it remained in active military use until its disarmament in 1878, marking the end of an era characterized by vigilance and resilience.