La storia dell'isola di Tenerife

The history of the island of Tenerife

The island of Tenerife is a gem in the Atlantic Ocean that attracts visitors from all over the world to its natural beauty, and rich history. The island traces its roots back to antiquity, with a number of peoples who have left their mark on the island.

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The Guanche aborigines were the first to inhabit Tenerife before the arrival of European colonizers in the 15th century. These mysterious and culturally advanced people left traces of their traditions, language and cave dwellings, many of which can still be visited today. The Pirámides de Güímar Ethnographic Park offers a fascinating insight into Guanche culture with its mysterious pyramids and interactive exhibits.

Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the Güímar Park, click here for GPS directions!

In 1494, the Spanish explorer Alonso Fernández de Lugo landed on the island and subjected it to the Catholic Monarchs. From that moment, Tenerife became part of the kingdom of Spain and a period of growth and development began. The city of La Laguna was the first capital of the island, and its well-preserved historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cobbled streets, old churches and historic buildings bear witness to this city's glorious past.

A must-see historical monument on the island is the Castillo de San Cristóbal, a 16th-century fortress built to defend the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife from pirate attacks. Today, this impressive castle offers a panoramic view over the city and the harbour.

Castle of San Cristobal

Visit the Castillo de San Cristóbal, click here for GPS directions!

Another monument of historical interest is the Casa de Los Balcones in La Orotava, a 17th-century residence with spectacular carved wooden balconies. This traditional Canarian house houses a rich collection of local handicrafts, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of the island.

Wolfgang Sauber, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Wolfgang Sauber, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit Casa de Los Balcones, click here for GPS directions!

Located in the city of Candelaria is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Canaries: its basilica. Inside, it houses the statue of the Virgin of Candelaria, patroness of the Canary Islands. Every year, thousands of pilgrims gather to celebrate the Virgin during the August 15th celebrations.

"Diego Delso, delso.photo, License CC-BY-SA"

Source: " Diego Delso, delso.photo , License CC-BY-SA "

Visit the Basilica of Candelaria, click here for GPS directions!

You can also find a military museum illustrating the military history of the island in Puerto de la Cruz. This historic fortress, called Castillo de san Felipe, was built in the 17th century to protect the port from pirate attacks.

"Diego Delso, delso.photo, License CC-BY-SA"

Source: " Diego Delso, delso.photo , License CC-BY-SA "

Visit the Castillo de San Felipe, click here for GPS directions!

Located in the Valle de La Orotava, you can discover the house of wine 'La Baranda', a wine museum that offers an insight into the winemaking tradition of Tenerife. You will be able to discover the production of local wine and taste different varieties typical of the island.

bea & txema, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Source: bea & txema, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the Casa del Vino la Baranda, click here for GPS directions!

Located in the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre offers a rich collection of archaeological and anthropological finds, including Guanche mummies, pre-Columbian objects and information on the fauna and flora of the island.

Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre, click here for GPS directions!

The Iglesia de la Conceptión, located in La Laguna, is a 15th-century church, a fascinating example of Gothic architecture and one of the oldest religious buildings in the Canaries.

El fosilmaníaco, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Source: El fosilmaníaco, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the Iglesia de la Conceptión, click here for GPS directions!

An absolute must-see, the Auditorio de Tenerife, located in Santa Cruz, is one of the most iconic buildings on the island. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, its unique design makes it a work of architectural art.

Diego Delso, delso.photo, License CC-BY-SA"

Source: Diego Delso, delso.photo , License CC-BY-SA "

Visit the Auditorio de Tenerife, click here for GPS directions!

 

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