PLAZA DE LA CANDELARIA TENERIFE


This pleasant traffic-free square has good bars and shops, including an artesania (craft shop). Centuries ago, it was the entrance to the vanished Castillo San Cristobal, once one of the two main defences of the town (the other was Castillo San Juan) and here the island's troops would parade and be inspected. The center-piece of the plaza is the appealing baroque statue of Our Lady of Candelaria, holding the infant Jesus and a tall candle. Formerly known as Plaza del Castillo, the square acquired its new name along with the statue.

At No 9, the Banco Español de Credito occupies the old Palacio de Carta behind a rather dull facade this is a fine 18th century mansion with carved wooden balconies and an elegant patio, immaculately restored by the bank. Originally built as the family home of Captain Matias Carta, it is now one of the best examples of traditional Canarian domestic architecture. Open during bank hours, it deserves a look inside perhaps when you need to change money.