PLAZA DE ESPANA TENERIFE

A large square near the waterfront, this spacious plaza is the heart of the city. The whole square was formerly the site of the principal Santa Cruz fortification, Castillo San Cristobal, demolished in 1929. Here now stands the grimly imposing Francoera Palacio, Insular, seat of the Cabildo or Island Council, built in what was known as Rationalist style. The huge central Monumento de los Caidos, Monument to the Fallen, honors local people who fell in war, including the Spanish Civil War Franco's manifesto was broadcast from here. The monument is flanked by statues of two cheiftains.