Santa Cruz de la Palma history

Foundation and First Mentions

The city of Santa Cruz de la Palma was founded on 3 May 1493 by the Spanish Adelantado (governor) Alonso Fernández de Lugo. The founding date coincided with the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which determined its name ("Holy Cross"). The settlement emerged in an area called Tedote by the indigenous inhabitants of the island, the Benahoaritas. The royal charter granting it city status was received later, solidifying its administrative importance.

Key Factors of Development

The city's rapid growth and wealth in the 16th century were driven by a unique combination of geographical and political factors:

• Strategic Port: Thanks to a convenient harbour and its location on the trade wind route, the city became a key stopover for ships sailing to the Americas.
• Trade Privileges: In 1558, the first Court of the Indies (Juzgado de Indias) was established here, granting the port the right to conduct direct trade with the colonies of the New World. During this period, Santa Cruz de la Palma was considered the third most important port in the Spanish Empire after Seville and Antwerp.
• Influx of Foreign Capital: Opportunities for wealth attracted numerous merchants and bankers from Genoa, Portugal, and Flanders.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economic boom shaped a unique cultural landscape in the city, traces of which are still visible today:

• Sugar and Shipbuilding: The foundation of the early economy was the export of sugar cane, as well as the construction of ships using high-quality local timber.
• Flemish Art: Wealthy merchants commissioned and imported works of art from Europe. As a result, the city possesses one of the most significant collections of Flemish religious sculpture and painting outside of Belgium.
• Defence Against Pirates: The city's prosperity attracted corsairs. After a devastating attack by the French pirate François Le Clerc ("Wooden Leg") in 1553, the city was rebuilt and significantly fortified with structures such as the Castillo de Santa Catalina.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1493: Alonso Fernández de Lugo founds the city on 3 May, the day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, completing the conquest of the island.
• 1553: The city is looted and burned by the French pirate François Le Clerc, after which large-scale restoration and fortification works begin.
• 1558: King Philip II establishes the Court of the Indies here, transforming the local port into one of the main trading hubs of the Spanish Empire.
• 1585: The city's defenders successfully repel an attack by an English squadron commanded by the famous corsair Francis Drake.
• 1680: Bishop Bartolomé García Jiménez establishes the tradition of holding the festival of the Descent of the Virgin of the Snows (La Bajada) every five years.
• 1773: The city holds the first municipal councillor elections by popular vote in modern Spanish history, initiated by a lawsuit from Dionisio O'Daly.
• 1852: Santa Cruz de la Palma receives "free port" status, fostering economic revival after a crisis.
• 1893: The commissioning of the "El Electrón" hydroelectric plant makes the city one of the first in the world to introduce public electric lighting.
• 1975: The historic centre receives official status as a Historic-Artistic Site of national importance.
• 1985: Grand opening of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, strengthening the island capital's connection with global science.
• 2002: UNESCO declares the entire island of La Palma, including the capital, a World Biosphere Reserve.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of Santa Cruz de la Palma is a series of ascents, adaptations to external threats, and the implementation of advanced ideas. Here are the key moments that defined the modern appearance and status of the city:

• Rise of an Imperial Port (16th Century)

  The establishment of the Empire's third Court of the Indies (Juzgado de Indias) turned a small port into a global trading hub. Economic prosperity allowed local nobility and merchants to finance the construction of opulent temples and mansions, filling the city with Flemish art and defining its cultural code for centuries to come.

• Defensive Urban Planning (Post-1553)

  After the city was burned by pirates, massive reconstruction began. The erection of fortifications, such as the Castillo de Santa Catalina, and the realignment of streets set the vector for urban development along the coastline, creating the capital's characteristic elongated silhouette.

• Civil Revolution (1773)

  A successful lawsuit by Irish merchant Dionisio O'Daly against the hereditary oligarchy led to Spain's first popular elections for the city council. This event cemented the city's reputation as a centre of liberal values and high political culture.

• Economic Liberalisation (1852)

  The granting of free port status (franquicia) was a response to a crisis in agriculture. The removal of customs barriers revitalised trade, ensured an influx of foreign goods, and strengthened ties with Great Britain and Cuba, which was reflected in the architecture and lifestyle of the townspeople.

• Infrastructural Breakthrough (1893)

  The launch of the "El Electrón" hydroelectric plant placed Santa Cruz de la Palma among the world leaders in technology adoption. The appearance of public electric lighting earlier than in many European capitals significantly changed the quality of urban life and the nocturnal activity of the port.

• Musealisation of the Centre (1975)

  Declaring the historic centre a Historic-Artistic Complex was a turning point in urban planning policy. This decision protected unique wooden balconies and colonial facades from demolition, reorienting the city's economy from pure export to cultural tourism.

Urban Structure: A City Between Sea and Mountains

The architectural appearance of Santa Cruz de la Palma is dictated by its unique geography. The city is wedged between the steep slopes of a volcanic crater (La Caldereta) and the Atlantic Ocean, which formed its linear layout. For centuries, main life has flowed along the principal artery — Calle Real (Royal Street), which runs parallel to the coastline. This "amphitheatre" facing the sea allowed the city to preserve a cohesive historical ensemble, practically untouched by chaotic modern development.

Renaissance and Mudejar (16th Century)

The period of the port's flourishing as a trade hub between Europe and the Americas gifted the city with the finest examples of civil and religious architecture. The style of the era is characterised by monumentality and the influence of Portuguese and Flemish traditions.

• Plaza de España: Considered the best Renaissance ensemble in the Canary Islands. The Town Hall and the main church are located here, creating a harmonious space for public life.
• Iglesia de El Salvador (Church of El Salvador): A striking example of mixed styles. Its portal is executed in the Renaissance style, reminiscent of Roman triumphal arches, while the interior preserves magnificent Mudejar coffered ceilings made from local pine.

Canarian Style and Colonial Baroque (17th–18th Centuries)

During this time, architecture became more decorative, reflecting the wealth of the local nobility and merchant class. A special place is occupied by the use of heartwood pine (pino tea), which is resistant to moisture and time.

• Balconies of Avenida Marítima: The city's calling card. Initially, these double wooden balconies were located on the rear of houses and used for ventilation and household needs, but over time they evolved into masterpieces of carpentry.
• Monastic Architecture: Buildings of the Franciscan and Dominican orders (such as the Santo Domingo Church) are distinguished by austere white walls contrasting with dark wood and stone corner masonry.

Neoclassicism and Civil Architecture (19th Century)

With the arrival of Enlightenment ideas and trade liberalisation, the city's appearance became stricter and more elegant. Architects began to favour symmetry and the classical order system.

• Town Hall (Ayuntamiento): Although the building was founded in the 16th century, its interiors and facade underwent changes reflecting the evolution from Renaissance to Classicism. This is the first building in Spain where democratic elections took place.
• Palacio de Salazar: A majestic building with a stone facade, demonstrating the transition from Baroque to more restrained forms characteristic of wealthy merchant residences.

Modernism and Eclecticism (Early 20th Century)

The economic upturn associated with banana and cochineal exports brought new European trends to the city. Buildings with rich decor, floral ornaments, and bold forms appeared on the streets.

• Teatro Circo de Marte: A unique building, originally built for cockfighting, and later converted into a theatre. It combines elements of Art Nouveau and Neoclassicism.
• Villas and Commercial Houses: Along O'Daly Street (part of Calle Real), one can find facades with coloured tiles and wrought iron, characteristic of the architectural pursuits of the early last century.

Founders and Historical Figures

• Alonso Fernández de Lugo — Spanish Conquistador and Adelantado.

  The founder of the city. On 3 May 1493, having completed the conquest of the island of La Palma, he established the settlement that subsequently became the capital and an important port of the Spanish Empire.

• François Le Clerc (Jambe de Bois) — French Corsair.

  Known as "Wooden Leg", he captured and burned the city in 1553. This tragic event became a turning point: afterwards, Santa Cruz de la Palma was completely rebuilt and received powerful fortifications.

Reformers and Politicians

• Dionisio O'Daly — Irish Merchant and Public Figure.

  A key figure in the history of Spanish democracy. In the 18th century, he initiated a lawsuit against the ruling oligarchy, achieving the holding of Spain's first city council elections based on popular vote (for that time) in 1773.

• Anselmo Pérez de Brito — Lawyer and Jurist.

  O'Daly's closest associate. It was his legal talent and persistence that allowed them to win the "trial of the century" in the Council of Castile, leading to the abolition of hereditary rule in the city.

Figures of Art and Culture

• Manuel González Méndez — Painter and Musician.

  One of the most outstanding Canarian painters of the turn of the 19th–20th centuries. His works adorn many of the city's institutions, and he is considered a master who introduced European modernism to local art.

• Manolo Blahnik — World-Renowned Shoe Designer.

  Born and raised in Santa Cruz de la Palma. He became a cult figure in the world of high fashion; his creativity has brought fame to his hometown, to which he has dedicated several collections and exhibitions.