Santa Cruz de Tenerife history

The history of the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is closely linked to its strategic position and its role as a maritime gateway to the Atlantic. The city, which grew from a small fishing village, eventually transformed into one of the key ports of the Canary Archipelago.

Foundation and Early Period

The symbolic founding date of the city is considered to be 3 May 1494, when the conquistador Alonso Fernández de Lugo landed on the coast, then known as Añazo. He planted a silver Holy Cross (Santa Cruz), after which the future city was named. This cross is kept today in one of the city's main churches, the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción. Before the arrival of the Spanish, these lands were inhabited by the indigenous people, the Guanches. During the 16th century, the settlement began to develop as a port serving the city of San Cristóbal de la Laguna, located higher in the mountains, which was then the island's capital.

Emergence as a Key Port

A key factor in the development of Santa Cruz was its convenient harbour. Gradually, the commercial and strategic importance of the port grew, and it began to overtake La Laguna in economic leadership. From 1723, Santa Cruz de Tenerife became the main city of the island. Its port played a crucial role in trade between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, which contributed to economic prosperity. To protect against pirates and enemy fleets, powerful defensive structures, such as the castles of San Juan and San Cristóbal, were erected along the coast.

Cultural and Economic Features

With the growth of economic influence, urban life also developed. Representative offices of trading companies, consulates, and the homes of wealthy merchants began to appear in Santa Cruz. This contributed to the formation of a cosmopolitan atmosphere. In the 19th century, the city finally secured its status as the capital. From 1833 to 1927, Santa Cruz was the sole capital of all the Canary Islands, after which this status began to be shared with the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Today, the city is known not only as a major transport and trade hub but also as a cultural centre, famous for its carnival, which is considered one of the largest in the world.

Key Dates in the City's History

• 1494 — Alonso Fernández de Lugo lands in the Bay of Añazo and plants a silver cross, giving the name to the future city of Santa Cruz.
• 1657 — English Admiral Robert Blake attacks and destroys the Spanish fleet in the Bay of Santa Cruz during the Anglo-Spanish War.
• 1706 — After a volcanic eruption destroys the port of Garachico, Santa Cruz becomes the main port of Tenerife, boosting its development.
• 1723 — Santa Cruz de Tenerife officially becomes the main city of the island, taking over this status from San Cristóbal de la Laguna.
• 1787 — The famous triumphal arch is built on the Alley of the Duchess of Saint Helena.
• 1797 — The city successfully repels an attack by a British squadron under the command of Admiral Horatio Nelson, who loses an arm in this battle.
• 1833 — Santa Cruz is proclaimed the capital of the entire Canary Archipelago.
• 1890s — The development of tourism begins, which over time will become one of the key sectors of the city's and island's economy.
• 1927 — The city shares capital status with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, becoming one of the two capitals of the autonomous community.
• 1973 — The importation of sand from the Sahara begins for the creation of the famous artificial beach, Las Teresitas.
• 1982 — The Canary Islands receive the status of an autonomous community of Spain, and the parliament is located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
• 2003 — Construction is completed on the Auditorio de Tenerife, a futuristic opera house designed by Santiago Calatrava, which has become a symbol of the city.

The history of the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a fascinating journey from a small fishing settlement to one of the most important centres of the Canary Archipelago. Each stage of development has left its mark on architecture, the economy, and culture, shaping the unique appearance of the modern capital.

• 1494 — Foundation of the City. The Spanish conquistador Alonso Fernández de Lugo lands on the coast and plants a silver cross, giving the name to the future city — Santa Cruz ("Holy Cross"). This moment became the starting point in the history of the city, which was initially just a small port outpost.
• 1723 — Obtaining Capital Status. Thanks to its strategically advantageous location and the development of the port, Santa Cruz takes over the status of the island's main city from San Cristóbal de la Laguna. This contributes to its economic growth and transformation into a key trade hub between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
• 1797 — Repelling Admiral Nelson's Attack. One of the most vivid pages of the city's military history is the successful defence against the British fleet commanded by Admiral Horatio Nelson. This victory strengthened the position of Spain in the archipelago and became a symbol of the city's resilience.
• 1833–1927 — Capital of the Entire Archipelago. For almost a hundred years, Santa Cruz becomes the sole capital of all the Canary Islands. This period is characterized by active construction, infrastructure development, and the strengthening of the city's administrative importance.
• Early 20th Century — Development of Industry and Tourism. In 1930, the first oil refinery in Spain begins operations in the city, giving a boost to industrial development. In parallel, from the late 19th century, the city begins to attract the first tourists, laying the foundation for a future key economic sector.
• 1980 — International Recognition of the Carnival. The famous Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife receives the status of a festival of International Tourist Interest. Today, it is considered the second largest in the world after the Brazilian one and is a major cultural event attracting hundreds of thousands of guests.
• 2003 — Opening of the Auditorio de Tenerife. The completion of the futuristic Auditorio de Tenerife concert hall, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, marks a new era in the cultural and architectural life of the city. The building becomes not only a new stage for world stars but also an instantly recognizable symbol of modern Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Architectural Eclecticism: From Colonial Style to Avant-Garde

The appearance of Santa Cruz de Tenerife represents an amazing mosaic where traditional Canarian architecture sits alongside bold futuristic projects. The urban development of the capital proceeded from the historic centre by the port, moving deeper into the island and along the coast, clearly reflecting the changing eras and aesthetic tastes.

Historical Heritage: Baroque and Canarian Style

The oldest quarters of the city, such as La Noria, preserve the spirit of the colonial era. The traditional Canarian style prevails here, characterized by whitewashed walls, stone masonry corners, and carved wooden balconies.

• Iglesia de la Concepción — the main temple of the city, often called the "Cathedral of Santa Cruz". Its famous bell tower, which has become a symbol of the old town, is designed in the Tuscan style, while elements of Baroque and Mudéjar can be traced in the interior.
• Palacio de Carta — a magnificent example of 18th-century civil architecture on Plaza Candelaria. The building demonstrates the transition from Baroque to Neoclassicism and hides a traditional Canarian courtyard-patio inside.

19th and Early 20th Century: Classicism, Eclecticism, and Modernism

Upon receiving capital status in the 19th century, the city began to actively expand beyond its old boundaries. Bourgeois districts with regular planning appeared, for example, the El Toscal district, rich in historical buildings.

• Teatro Guimerá (1851) — the oldest theatre in the archipelago, erected in the style of Romantic Classicism. Its strict façade contrasts with the rich interior decoration.
• Masonic Temple — a unique monument of the early 20th century. The façade of the building is decorated with sphinxes and columns, vividly reflecting a fascination with Egyptian symbolism, making it a very rare example of Masonic architecture in Spain.
• Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África — built in the 1940s, this complex combines Neocolonial style with elements of functionalism, resembling an oriental fortress with arches and a clock tower.

Modernity: Postmodernism and High-Tech

At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, the city made an architectural breakthrough, transforming the Cabo Llanos district into a showcase of modern urbanism. Here, industrial zones gave way to skyscrapers and world-class cultural venues.

• Auditorio de Tenerife — the absolute dominant feature of the embankment, created by architect Santiago Calatrava. The snow-white building in the style of bio-tech and expressionism resembles a huge wave or a bird's wing, becoming the main visual symbol of the modern capital.
• TEA (Tenerife Espacio de las Artes) — a cultural centre designed by the Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron. This is a masterpiece of modern minimalism: concrete forms, pierced with light through numerous glass pixel-openings, are organically integrated into the old urban fabric.
• Torres de Santa Cruz — twin towers, which are the tallest residential buildings in the Canary Islands and symbolize the economic power of the city.

Notable Figures Associated with Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island's capital and an important cultural centre, has been the birthplace or place of activity for many famous individuals who left their mark on history, politics, and art.

• Leopoldo O'Donnell y Jorís (1809–1867) — an influential Spanish military and political figure of the 19th century. Born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, he had a brilliant career, serving three times as the President of the Council of Ministers of Spain during the reign of Queen Isabella II. He received the titles of Duke of Tetuan and Count of Lucena for his military achievements.
• Ángel Guimerá y Jorge (1845–1924) — one of the greatest playwrights and poets of Catalan literature. Born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife to a Catalan father and a Canarian mother. He became a key figure in the "Renaixença" movement — the cultural revival of Catalonia in the 19th century. His plays, such as "Terra Baixa" ("Lowlands"), received international acclaim.
• Óscar Domínguez (1906–1957) — an outstanding surrealist painter whose name stands alongside Salvador Dalí and Max Ernst. Although born in the neighbouring city of San Cristóbal de la Laguna, his work and life were closely linked to Tenerife. He became one of the key figures of Parisian surrealism in the 1930s and invented the "decalcomania" technique — the automatic transfer of paint.
• Rafael Arozarena (1923–2009) — a renowned Spanish poet and prose writer who was born and died in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. He was one of the founders of the "Fetasiano" literary movement. His most famous novel, "Mararía", is considered one of the most important works of 20th-century Canarian literature and was successfully adapted into a film.
• Adán Martín Menis (1943–2010) — a prominent political figure born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. He served as Mayor of the city, was President of the Cabildo (island government) of Tenerife, and from 2003 to 2007 served as President of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands. The famous Auditorio de Tenerife was named in his honour.