Plaza de España, which was built in 1929 on the site where the historic Saint Christopher Castle previously was, it is the biggest square in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and it occupies more than 5000 squared meters
It is presided over by the Monuments to the Fallen, added in the 1944. The monument is a clear example of franquist architecture, which was in turn strongly influenced by italian fascist architecture.
A cross-shaped tower has on its top a lookout and at its base an empty crypt, showing a set of allegorical sculptures.
Recently, some remodeling works have been carried out under the direction of the Swiss architects Herzog and de Meuron, who added a central sea-water lake with a built-in geyser. There is also an underground gallery which allows to visit the ruins of the ancient castle.
Plaza de España is situated between Plaza de la Candelaria and Avenida Marítima, close to the Harbour. The adjacent Alameda del Duque de Santa Elena, built at the end of 1787, is basically to be considered part of the square itself. Next to it, we can find the buildings of the Cabildo Insular de Tenerife, the Casino de Tenerife and other public offices and port authority delegations.
