The City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the Port Authority have reached an agreement to collaborate on the restoration of the tunnels situated within the Montaña de la Altura, located in the La Alegría neighborhood. This historical site in the city is largely unknown to the majority of citizens.
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez expressed the City Council’s commitment to partnering with Ports for the restoration of these bunkers concealed beneath the rocky terrain. He made this announcement following a visit last Tuesday, accompanied by the President of the Port Authority, Pedro Suárez, and the Vice Admiral and Director of the Institute of Naval History and Culture of the Spanish Navy, Enrique Torres. The visit included the examination of three vaults, each over 170 meters long and almost nine meters high, which hold historical significance and legends.
The tunnels were constructed in 1943 as a strategic military infrastructure by the first Franco regime, with the aim of defending the Canary Islands during the Second World War. Although the original intention was to establish a logistical base to supply submarines, which interestingly never materialized, the tunnels did serve as a shelter for the Army’s fuel tanks, ensuring protection against air and naval bombardments.
Presently, this location serves as a storage facility for the Port Authority, housing various items including an old Humber car. This historical underground site faces the challenge of constant leaks and flooding caused by water seepage through the mountain rocks. Therefore, the initial objective is to undertake a joint restoration project to “reclaim this historical gem for the city,” emphasized the mayor.
