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Santa Cruz De Tenerife History, Spain

A city and a municipality at the same time, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the Canary Islands. Santa Cruz de Tenerife History revolved mostly under the Spanish occupation and some confrontations with foreigners.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife History – Pre-Castilian Occupation

The Pre-Castilian Santa Cruz was a vast district of foliage known as the Mencey Beneharo, which is under the kingdom called menceyato of Anaga. The heritage of the pre-Hispanic history of this city was centered on the guanches meaning “Men from Tenerife.” This group of people was known to have inhabited the Canary Islands Before Christ (BC). The cultural heritage of the Guanches disappeared along with their existence but some artifacts were excavated as evidence that they once lived on the islands.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife History – Castilian Period

A number of voyages landed on the coast of Santa Cruz. One of these expeditions docked on the coast of the city in 1494. The ships carried Castilians, who built camping bases in Santa Cruz. They aimed to conquer the village and were successful when in 1496, Santa Cruz became a part of the Corona of Castile. During the last years of the 15th century, the villagers of Santa Cruz were a mix of soldiers, native sailors, merchants and some guanches and the settlements surrounded the castle of San Cristobal built to protect the town.

By the 16th century, Santa Cruz residents had to defend their village from several Gallic and English pirates, who attacked it. Fortunately, the villagers were successful in defending their land. The people, however, were not fortunate enough when the British Navy, led by Admiral Nelson, attacked Santa Cruz. It fell to the hands of the British in July 25, 1797.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife History – Towards Independence and Success

The development of the town of Santa Cruz first occurred in the 18th century when the residence of the commander-in-chief was transferred from San Cristobal to the city. It was also during this century that Santa Cruz was named the capital of the island. By 1803, the city gained its freedom and established its first city council.

As the population grew in the city, the necessity to improve services and building of places of relaxation was inevitable. This is the reason why Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the big, modern city that it is at present. Santa Cruz is working towards the limitless possibilities to further develop its economy and commerce to answer all the needs of its growing population.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife History depicts the success of its people. You can learn more about Spanish cities through Madrid Travel Guide and Las Palmas Travel Guide. Both cities have their own stories to convey to the locals and tourists as well.