Palacio de Carta: A Timeless Gem in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
A Historical Landmark
In the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, amidst bustling squares and the daily buzz of commerce, stands a building that seems to have stopped time. Its wrought-iron balconies, the basalt stone of its façade, and its imposing clock tell a story interwoven with power, transatlantic trade, and the legacy of one of the most influential families in the Canary Islands during the 18th century. Those who look up to its rooftop will discover a discreet yet strategic belvedere: it enabled the observation of ships long before they reached the port. This secret lookout, designed to anticipate goods and news arriving from America, belongs to the Palacio de Carta, one of the archipelago’s most unique architectural jewels.
Baroque and Neoclassical Symbol
Commissioned in 1721 by Matías Bernardo Rodríguez Carta y Abarca, captain of the Canary Militias and a prosperous Canarian-American merchant, the building was completed in 1752 under the supervision of his son. Designed by master builder Juan Alonso García de Ledesma based on plans by military engineer Francisco de la Pièrre, it stands as one of the most prominent examples of Canarian Baroque architecture, infused with neoclassical touches on its façade. Declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1947, the palace features three floors organised around a richly adorned central courtyard with noble woodwork, glazed corridors, and grand staircases. Its rooftop houses the belvedere which, beyond its aesthetic function, served as a lookout tower for family business.
From Residence to Institutional Hub
For 111 years, the Palacio de Carta was the residence of this notable family, but its history also includes a significant role in the political and administrative life of the Canary Islands. Between 1853 and 1880, it housed the General Captaincy, and later, from 1890 to 1946, it served as the Civil Government headquarters. The property changed hands multiple times, including that of the Spanish Credit Bank, which attempted to demolish it in the 1940s. It was societal pressure and intervention from institutions like the Cabildo de Tenerife that prevented the building’s destruction, securing its legal protection.
Restoration and Future Prospects
In 2007, the Canary Autonomous Community acquired the property for €5.8 million, and after years of uncertainty, it was ceded to the Santa Cruz City Council in 2017. Currently undergoing restoration, it aims to become a Tourist Information Office and a Museum of the City’s History, returning the building to its public purpose. The intricately carved woodwork, underground cistern, continuous balconies, and the solemn atmosphere of its salons make it a symbol of the Tenerife capital. Yet, it is in its discreet lookout, facing the Atlantic, that the seafaring spirit of the ship captain who built a palace for his lineage and the history of the Canary Islands still thrives.
