Residents who travelled towards Las Mercedes used to walk along the now famous Pear Tree Pathway, which served as the main entrance and exit route to the city centre. Before the gardens were built, this area used to cut through the crop fields of the lagoon plain. This pathway can be seen in 18th-century maps, such as the one drawn up in 1775 by the chief engineer, Colonel Amat de Tortosa.
The construction of what is now known as the Pear Tree Pathway was initiated by Don Fernando Rodríguez, artillery captain, and the Chief Forest Guard of the town council, Don Fernando Molina y Quesada. The construction was not continuous, as lack of funds halted the project on multiple occasions. The initial works began in 1780. The project was resumed in 1812 but was abandoned once again. According to Professor Calero (Urban Development and Space Organization, 2001), “The city council lacked the necessary staff and budget to maintain the works. The plantations deteriorated due to the animals and vehicles passing through, and the project was not well-received by the population.”
After several attempts to continue building the promenade, it was eventually completed and has been enjoyed by citizens since the mid-20th century, despite initial resistance. Today, the Pear Tree Pathway still maintains its original design with a wide central elevated street and two dirt pathways on lower levels. It is lined with various trees, up to 25 alignments, as well as sidewalks, flower beds, grassy areas, and the characteristic pear trees that give the pathway its name.
One of the dirt pathways is used by the city’s athletes for running. The general public also uses this space for outdoor sports activities, as well as for walking and cycling.
After Plaza del Cristo, the Pear Tree Pathway begins, where the street narrows. On the right side is the summer residence of the captains general, which was ordered to be built by General Valeriano Weyler on a 17,677.50 square meter plot that was previously occupied by the Artillery Barracks.
The pathway continues on the left side, leading to the ravine where a water tank known as the “Big Tank” was situated. This tank collected water from the nearby mountains of Las Mercedes through constructed canals. It was at this water tank that an axe and cane-cutting machete were found on the night of September 19 to 20, 1846, after the murder of Francisco Núñez Álvarez in his home on nearby Fagundo Street (Cabrera Pinto). The weapons were found, but the murderers were never apprehended.
COMMUNAL LAUNDRY
On the adjacent plot on the left side, a private residential building now stands at the corner honoured by La Laguna of the Cathedral Canon, popularly known as Father Adam. Recently, the La Laguna-Las Mercedes Health Center has been established in the neighbouring space.
Further along, there are The Laundries where people used to wash and dry clothes in the sun on the grass. These historical facilities have been preserved in their original state since the 1980s when they were restored. Although they are not in use currently, they stand as a reminder of the past. In a small dead-end alley next to the enclosing wall of Los Lavaderos, Don Manuel Alemán de Armas, a former councilor of the La Laguna City Council and court official, lived until his passing. He was dedicated to preserving the history and traditions of the City of Aguere.
On the right side, you will find Cañaveral Street and Antonio Rueda Street, named after the Andalusian photojournalist based in La Laguna.
VEGA PARK
Vega Park, with a little over 22,000 square meters, is one of the newest green spaces integrated into the municipality’s park and recreational area network. It features an aquatic garden with around 100 plant species. Visitors can stroll through the park on small bridges overlooking fish, turtles, and birds. For sports enthusiasts, there is a climbing wall for practicing rock climbing. Additionally, there is a BMX bike track, skate park, basketball courts, ping pong tables, and children’s play areas.
This charming park also offers a cafeteria, public facilities, wide paths, and beautiful vegetation that blends into the nearby streets and avenues such as Concepción Salazar and La Cancela.
The Pear Tree Pathway, which concludes at the junction with Madre del Agua Street, was once used by buses from the Transportes de Las Mercedes company to transport residents to the city centre of Las Mercedes via the old road. This service was complemented by another route along the Tejina and Las Canteras highway.
What was originally known as La Alameda and later the Pear Tree Pathway has evolved over time to become one of the most significant outdoor recreational areas in La Laguna.
