Castle of San Cristóbal (Santa Cruz de Tenerife) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Castle of San Cristóbal
Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain)
Castle of San Cristóbal Location of the fortification on the island of Tenerife
Coordinates	28°28′01″N 16°14′51″W / 28.46694°N 16.24750°W / 28.46694; -16.24750
Site history
Built	1575 (1575)–1577
Fate	demolished in 1928

The Castle of San Cristóbal (Spanish: Castillo de San Cristóbal) was a very important fort in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. It was the first big fort on the island of Tenerife. This castle was the main building protecting Santa Cruz Bay from attacks. Even today, a street in the city, Castle Street, is named after it.

Building the castle started in 1575. It was officially ready for use on January 20, 1577. Sadly, the castle was taken down in 1928. This was to make way for a big public square called the Plaza de España. For many years, the castle's old parts were buried underground.

But on June 28, 2006, something exciting happened! Workers were fixing up the Plaza de España when they found some old walls. These turned out to be parts of the original Castle of San Cristóbal. Because these remains were so important, special steps were taken to protect them.

Today, you can still see some of these old walls. They are on display in a special tunnel under the Plaza de España. This area is now a museum. The museum is also home to a very famous cannon called the "Cañón Tigre" (Tiger Cannon). This cannon is famous because it is said to have injured Rear-Admiral Horatio Nelson during a battle on July 25, 1797. He was hit in the arm and had to have it removed.

Building the Stronghold

Why Was the Castle Built?

The Castle of San Cristóbal was built to be the main defense for Santa Cruz. It was a strong fortress designed to protect the city from invaders. Construction began on December 15, 1575. By 1577, the fort was ready, and its cannons were moved into place.

Who Built It and Where?

The governor of the island at that time, Juan Alvarez de Fonseca, started the building work. The castle was built on a rocky area in Bias Diaz Cove. It was shaped like a square, with a strong wall at each of its four corners. This design made it very difficult for enemies to attack.

Battles and Important Roles

The castle played a big part in several important battles. It helped defend Santa Cruz against attacks by:

• Admiral Blake on April 30, 1657.
• Admiral Jennings on November 6, 1706.
• Admiral Nelson on July 25, 1797.

Besides being a fort, the castle was also a home for important leaders. The Captains General and Governors lived there. It was also the main office for the Military Government.

The Castle's End

When Was It Demolished?

The Castle of San Cristóbal was taken down in 1928. This was done to create the large public square we know today as the Plaza de España. Even though the castle was gone, people still remembered it. The main street in Santa Cruz, "Calle Castillo" (Castle Street), keeps its memory alive.

Finding the Castle Again

How Were the Remains Discovered?

In 2006, the Plaza de España was being updated. In June of that year, workers found the buried parts of the old castle. This was a very exciting discovery! Because the castle was so important to history, the plans for the new plaza were changed.

Visiting the Castle Today

Now, there is an underground area where you can see the castle's remains. You can also see an outline of the castle at the bottom of the plaza's lake. One corner of the original castle is still there and can be visited. There is also a small exhibition run by Museos de Tenerife.

On July 25, 2009, the famous El Tigre cannon was moved to a special room at the center. This bronze cannon was made in Seville in the 1700s. It is about 3 meters (10 feet) long and weighs 2,000 kilograms (about 4,400 pounds). Many believe this is the exact cannon that injured Admiral Nelson during the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (1797).

See also

In Spanish: Castillo de San Cristóbal (Santa Cruz de Tenerife) para niños