Castle of San Andrés Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Castillo de San Andrés
Castillo de San Andrés
Location	San Andrés (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain)
Designer	Patrimonio Histórico Español, Cultural Interest in the Canary Islands
Type	Defensive tower
Completion date	1769

The Castle of San Andrés is also known as the Tower of San Andrés. You can find it in the village of San Andrés. This village is part of Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the Canary Islands in Spain. This old castle was built a long time ago. Its main job was to protect the island of Tenerife from pirate attacks.

History of the San Andrés Castle
Gallery
See also

History of the San Andrés Castle

Why the Castle Was Built

Back in the 1500s, King Philip II of Spain wanted to make the coast of Santa Cruz de Tenerife stronger. He sent an engineer named Leonardo Torriani from Italy to help. One very important place to protect was the area now known as San Andrés. People thought it was important to defend San Andrés beach. They also wanted to keep ships safe from pirates.

Most experts believe the castle was built in 1706. However, some old writings mention it as early as 1697.

The Castle's Role in Battle

The Castle of San Andrés played a big part in the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1797. During this battle, the famous Admiral Horacio Nelson attacked with his ships. Shots fired from the castle hit the Theseus. This was Admiral Nelson's own ship. The castle's shots damaged the ship's mast and ropes.

What Happened to the Castle?

The castle was built right next to a stream. This stream was part of a ravine called Cercado de Andrés. One day, there was a very heavy rain. The stream flooded and caused part of the castle to fall down. Even though half of it collapsed, the other half is still standing today.

Protecting a Historical Site

The Castle of San Andrés is a very important historical place. On November 28, 1967, it was officially recognized as a Spanish Historical Heritage site. It was also declared a "Patrimonio Histórico Español" on April 22, 1949. Later, in 1999, it was named a site of Cultural Interest in the Canary Islands.

The castle is named after San Andrés. It has become a special symbol for the village of San Andrés and the Anaga region.

As of 2021, the castle is on the Spanish Lista Roja (Red List). This means it is at risk of getting more damaged. Efforts are being made to protect and preserve it.