On July 25, 1797, British Rear Admiral Horatio Nelson lost his right arm to a musket ball fired from the Tiger Cannon of the Castle of San Cristobal in the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The Admiral had attempted an amphibious landing to take the town. He lost the battle and his arm.

The Spain Square was laid down over the Castle of San Cristobal in 1929. Remains of the castle walls are on display in a tunnel under the square. The notorious Tiger Cannon is also there, looking fine after all these years. The square is located in the center of town. It is one of the main squares of the island of Tenerife.

The square is the work of architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron of Herzog & Meuron of Switzerland. The Plaza has a lake and a fountain. Around the square is the Insular Palace of Tenerife, the Palace of the Charter and the Candelaria Square. The Monument to the Fallen of the Spanish Civil War is in the center of the square.

A sign, reading "Santa Cruz" (short for the slogan "Sant Cruz, the heart of Tenerife") is at one end of the square. The last letter of the word "Santa" is in the form of two hearts, one green, one blue. A sculpture "I AM Fine (Lo Llevo bien)" by Basque artist Julio Nieto is next to the lake. It is a man in the shape of a tree, a symbol of optimism.

The Castle of San Cristóbal served as the city’s main line of defense against invaders for centuries. Built in 1575 on the orders of King Philip II, this coastal fortress helped shape the early history of Tenerife and played a crucial role during key events-most famously repelling Admiral Horatio Nelson’s attack in 1797.

Today, the original structure is largely gone, but its legacy lives on beneath the Spain Square. Visitors can explore the Castle of San Cristóbal Interpretation Centre, where sections of the old walls remain preserved underground. The exhibition space uses models, artifacts, and interactive displays to illuminate the daily life of the fortress, recounting stories of sieges, cannons, and the strategic importance of Santa Cruz’s harbor.

A highlight of the visit is the chance to see the iconic “Tiger Cannon”, the historic castel's bronze cannon, which, according to legend, helped wound Nelson himself, by losing his right arm.

The Charter Palace was commissioned in 1721 by Captain Matías Rodríguez Carta as his grand family residence and completed in 1752. Its stone façade showcases a harmonious blend of Canarian Baroque and Neoclassical styles, with elegant balconies and a clock adorning the upper level.

Inside, the palace unfolds around two traditional Canarian courtyards. The main patio is a masterpiece of colonial domestic architecture, featuring intricately carved wooden galleries and even original floorboards beneath some of the current paved surfaces.

Over the centuries, the palace has played many roles. It housed the Captaincy General of the Canary Islands, served as the headquarters of the Civil Government, and even functioned as a bank in the mid-20th century. Today, after an extensive restoration completed in early 2023, it has found new life as both a tourist information office and the home of the Santa Cruz History Museum.

Church of Saint Francis of Assisi stands as a magnificent example of Canary Islands Baroque. Built originally as part of a Franciscan convent-founded in the late 17th century-the current structure was completed in 1680, showcasing a colonial facade, a Neo-Corinthian portico, and three robust toscano stone columns. Visitors are greeted by a spacious three-nave interior, vaulted arches, Mudejar wooden ceilings, and richly detailed altarpieces in Andalusian style, including the grand main retablo and several exquisitely carved side altars.

One of the most treasured elements of the church is the revered image of the Lord of Tribulations, a small 17th-century bust of Christ. This sacred figure holds deep significance in the spiritual life: during the 1893 cholera outbreak, it was carried through the city’s streets in a solemn procession, after which the epidemic mysteriously subsided. In gratitude, the people honored it with the title “Lord of Santa Cruz.”

Inside, look for the beautifully restored 18th-century retablos-particularly the impressive main altar with its ornate Salomonic columns from the old Dominican convent-and the finely painted frescoes in grisaille that frame the choir and presbytery, depicting notable figures. A historic pipe organ, dating between 1778 and 1781, adds to the sacred atmosphere, often used during Mass and special concerts in the parish.

The Circle of Friendship XII of January is a early 20th-century social club, designed by esteemed architect Mariano Estanga y Arias-Girón and later expanded. The building exemplifies the elegant Second Empire style: its symmetrical façade with rustication, mansard-roofed corner towers, ornate balconies, and sculptural embellishments. It has been recognized as an Asset of Cultural Interest reflecting its cultural and architectural importance since December 15, 1985.

Founded in 1855 and relocated to its magnificent current quarters in 1904, the Circle began as a private society for Tenerife’s bourgeois elite. Inside, you’ll find a grand marble staircase, a 500-seat theatre, a historic ballroom, a library of over 15,000 volumes, and dedicated rooms for billiards, chess, exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events .

Today, it remains a place for artistic performances, folklore concerts, temporary exhibitions, and plays a central role during Carnival season - notably hosting zarzuela ensembles and gala events central to Tenerife’s festivities.

For tourists, the Circle of Friendship XII of January offers a unique glimpse into the island’s sociocultural heritage. Even if you’re not a member, many events-especially cultural evenings, concerts, and Carnival presentations-are open to the public.

The Prince’s Square is a charming 19th-century urban oasis, laid out in 1857 on the former garden of the old Franciscan Convent of San Pedro de Alcántara. Its creation is attributed to architect Manuel de Oraá y Arcocha, commemorating the then-Prince Alfonso.

As visitors step into the plaza, they encounter two graceful allegorical statues-Spring and Summer-imported from Genoa and placed there in 1868. At the center of the square is an octagonal bandstand, constructed in 1929 on the site of an earlier Victorian-style fountain.

Around the park, you’ll also find the expressive bronze-and-steel sculpture “Courage” by Hanneke Beaumont from 1995, commemorating resilience and artistic spirit. In 2013, a bronze statue was added to honor Enrique González Bethencourt, founder of the famed Murga NiFú-NiFá carnival group. The square functions also as a venue for cultural events, including daytime carnival dancing and occasional performances.

The Parish of Our Lady of the Pillar greets visitors with a graceful and refined exterior. The present structure was consecrated in 1750 during the tenure of Bishop Juan Francisco Guillén Isso. Inside, the church captivates with a vaulted main nave and two lower side chapels-features introduced during renovations in the 1960s-as well as a beautifully detailed rococo-style main altarpiece crafted in the mid-18th century.

The ornate wood ceiling, restored in late 2023, showcases Mudejar-inspired panels, while the central altarpiece stands as the Canary Islands’ first-known example of rococo artistry, complete with shelled striated columns.

Art enthusiasts should look for "Our Lady of Sorrows", affectionately nicknamed “The Republican ”-a Baroque statue by Miguel Arroyo that was uniquely allowed to process during the Second Spanish Republic in 1931. The church also houses images of the Virgin of Carmen, Christ of Mercy, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In addition to its spiritual and artistic value, the parish played a key role in local history: after Admiral Nelson’s failed attack in 1797, it served as the meeting place for local merchants whose assembly led to the settlement being officially recognized as a town-an important step in Santa Cruz’s development into the modern city it is today.

The Town Hall-also known as the Palace of the Dragos-is an example of early 20th-century neoclassical architecture. Originally conceived as the Palace of Justice around 1898 by architect Antonio Pintor, construction began in 1902. Its façade features a three-arched portico crowned by a stately balcony and triangular pediment, topped with a refined balustrade under a symmetrical roofline.

The building owes its poetic nickname to two majestic dragon trees, that stand sentinel at its entrance. These iconic Canarian trees lend the Town Hall a unique local character, integrating the island’s botanical heritage into the urban fabric.

As you wander through the old quarter-lined with historic plazas, churches, and museums-the Palace of the Dragos stands out not just for its graceful aesthetic, but for its enduring civic role. Now home to the municipal government, it invites visitors to connect with Santa Cruz’s layered history-from Guanche roots and colonial foundations to its modern cultural life.

The Church of San Jorge is a captivating example of late 19th-century neo-Gothic architecture. Originally built in 1897 as an Anglican place of worship to serve the British expatriate community, its cornerstone was laid on 22 June to mark Queen Victoria’s 60th anniversary on the throne. Designed by Walter I. Wood, it features a Latin-cross floorplan, lancet windows, and a stone-cut facade framed by a steeply pitched slate roof and wooden diaphragm arches .

After a decline in Anglican attendance, the church was sold in 1989 to the Diocese of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. It reopened as a Catholic church in September 1993, consecrated to the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament under the name of San Jorge. Set within a gardened plot that includes native dragon trees and banana palms, the church offers a peaceful retreat.

Inside, visitors will find a wooden interior-exposed beams, pews, while the leaded stained-glass windows, including detailed scenes in the choir area, filter sunlight into the nave . One prominent stained-glass triptych memorializes Hugh Henry Hamilton, a key benefactor whose family financed its installation in 1908.

On the eve of the annual July 25 commemorations of the 1797 Battle of Santa Cruz, the church often hosts an ecumenical service-symbolically uniting Anglican and Catholic faiths in remembrance of those who defended the city from Admiral Nelson’s attack.

Castle Street is named for the Castillo Cristobal, built in 1575 and demolished in 1929 to make way for the Spain Square. Castle Street is among the oldest streets in the city of Santa Cruz. It extends from Weyler Square to Plaza Candelaria Square and ends in Spain Square.

Castle Street is a pedestrian street in the heart of the city. It has always been a shopping street. It features international franchise stores and local retailers. Buildings on the street are a fish-mash of styles: Canadian, Victorian, neoclassical, Moorish revival, etc.

Castle Street is a street where one can find literally everything, from clothes to Canary Islands food specialties. Combine shopping with sightseeing. End the shopping expedition at the Spain Square. Go under the square and check out the remains of the original castillo.

By the ornate entrance arch of the Market of Our Lady of Africa are two sculptures. First, La Lechera ("Milkmaid"), is a shoeless woman hurrying along, a jug in one hand while supporting with the other hand a basket of dairy products on her head. It is in honor of the generations of hard-working milkmaids of Tenerife.

The second sculpture, Homenaje Al Chicharrero ("People of Santa Cruz"), is of two fishermen launching a boat in the surf. The main catch in the old days was horse mackerel, locally known as "chicharos." At one time Santa Cruz was a fishing village. It produced poverty and fish, and was generally looked down on by folks in the city.

The Market of our Lady of Africa is dedicated to food and the people who produce it. Founded in 1944, it is housed in an exotic building of arches and patios with Latin American and Moorish touches. A minaret-like clock tower announces the location of the market. For drivers, there is underground parking with stairs to the market.

Stalls and shops are housed on two busy floors offering fresh produce, flowers, fruit, fish, bread, cheeses, wines and yes, cold cuts. There are also lots of deli offerings, including salsa, cactus marmalade, honey, and spices. For hungry shoppers who can't wait, there are restaurants and tasting stalls.

The La Recova Art Centre occupies a thoughtfully restored 19th-century building, originally designed by Manuel de Oraá and first opened as a market in 1851. This neocolonial structure was transformed into a cultural venue in 1992, giving new life to its historic architecture and central courtyard. The venue maintains much of its original character, including its symmetrical entrances and covered gallery, blending historic features with modern functionality.

Today, La Recova Art Centre hosts approximately a dozen temporary exhibitions each year, with a particular emphasis on artists from the Canary Islands and mainland Spain. The center’s dynamic schedule extends beyond visual art, regularly featuring music and theatre performances in the versatile “Space R” and hosting events like the International Comic Exhibition.

Within its galleries, visitors can explore a variety of artistic expressions, from photography to engraving, highlighting both local talent and broader creative trends. The building also houses administrative offices connected to the City School of Graphic Arts, further reinforcing its role as a center for artistic development and cultural exchange.

The Guimerá Theatre, the oldest in the Canary Islands, first opened in January 1851 and was built on the site of a former Dominican convent that had been dismantled during the Mendizábal confiscations. Designed by the Canarian architect Manuel de Oraá, its neoclassical-romantic façade is topped with the crest of Queen Isabel II.

Inside, you’ll find a sumptuous auditorium famously nicknamed “The Chocolate Box” thanks to its gilded moldings, plush velvets, frescoed ceilings, and sweeping balconied seating-drawing comparisons to The Royal Theatre. Over the years, successive renovations-in 1911, the late 20th century, and again in 2010-have modernized its facilities while preserving its historic charm. The theatre spans several performance spaces, including the main hall (roughly 800–900 seats) and the flexible “Guimerá Space” annex.

Named in 1923 for beloved native playwright Ángel Guimerá, whose works like Terra baixa and María Rosa helped transform Catalan theatre, the venue stands as a testament to Tenerife’s literary heritage. Today, it hosts theatre, cinema, concerts, dance, comedies, zarzuelas, and longstanding fixtures of the local cultural scene-including events linked to the International Canary Music Festival and the city’s Carnival.

A stroll around the plaza reveals public art and tributes: a bronze statue of Ángel Guimerá and the “Per Adriano” sculpture by Igor Mitoraj, representing the duality of tragedy and comedy.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception is not the Cathedral of Tenerife. That honor goes to the Cathedral of La Laguna. However, the Church of the Immaculate Conception does have five naves. No other church in the Canaries has five naves. The church is built over a chapel erected by the conquistadors when they landed on the island.

Inside the church is an image of Saint James the Apostle, patron saint of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The church holds a relic of martyred Pope Saint Clement I, donated by the Patriarch of Antioch. There is also a 15th century Gothic image of Our Lady of Consolation, patron saint of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The style of the church is both baroque and Tuscan. The bell tower, the stand out identifying marker of the church, closely resembles a minaret.

The Insular Palace of Tenerife is an impressive example of 20th-century monumental architecture. Designed by José Enrique Marrero Regalado following a design competition in 1934, construction began in 1935 and concluded by 1940. Its grand façade, characterized by a porticoed gallery of semicircular arches, Tuscan pilasters, and topped by a six-storey clock tower, makes it one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city skyline.

Beyond its function as the seat of Tenerife’s island government, the Insular Palace holds remarkable artistic features within its walls. The most notable is the Noble Hall, a grand ceremonial hall often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Canary Islands.” In 1960, renowned Canarian artist José Aguiar decorated this space with a series of murals that vividly illustrate the island’s history-featuring scenes from Guanche culture, local agriculture, maritime traditions, and important religious moments such as the arrival of the Virgin of Candelaria.

These impressive works helped earn the hall its famous nickname. In recognition of its cultural and artistic value, both the building and its murals were officially declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.