The Cabildo de Tenerife yesterday reopened the Cañada Blanca Visitor Center, in the Teide National Park, which had been closed since 2007. This facility is dedicated to the human presence on the summits of Tenerife and complements the content of the El Portillo and the Juan Évora Museum.
It is a thousand-square-meter building that has been closed for 15 years due to delays and work stoppages due to conflicts with contractors, structural problems, waterproofing damage and changes in building regulations and facilities.
Distributed on two levels, connected by large ramps, the new exhibition is structured around four thematic blocks: life on the summits and human occupation since prehistoric times; the history of science in the National Park and the first scientific expeditions; astronomical and atmospheric research, and geological and volcanological research. The center also has an auditorium room of 344 square meters where a new audiovisual production will be broadcast that highlights the landscape of Teide.
The president of the Island Council, Pedro Martín, yesterday celebrated the long-awaited opening of this center that “wants to convey to those who come here, whether they are residents or tourists, that the National Park, in addition to being a wonderful postcard, contains a high and delicate value from the natural, historical and scientific point of view. In his opinion, it will allow us to know “how it was created and what are the uses and exploitations that have been given here throughout history.” For Martín, “it will be one of the most visited interpretive centers in Spain.” The Councilor for Management of the Natural Environment and Security of the Cabildo, Isabel García, added that “this inauguration is also a tribute to all the workers on Teide, whose responsibility affects the enjoyment of this treasure of nature.”
The mayor of La Orotava, Francisco Linares, indicated that Teide “is part of the idiosyncrasy of the villeros of the upper area who cared for and pampered the area during different times”, and expressed his satisfaction at the recovery of a center that had been too time closed and that will become “a great tourist and educational resource”.
Since 1997
The Cañada Blanca Visitor Center was inaugurated for the first time in 1997 and was in operation until 2007, when it hosted the act of recognition of Teide as a World Heritage Site. It was then closed to carry out improvement works that have kept it closed for 15 years. | DE
