The Alameda del Duque de Santa Elena, connected to the bustling Plaza de España in the heart of Tenerife’s capital, is gearing up for a major transformation aimed at enhancing accessibility.
In June, the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council will commence the replacement of the current ocher-colored albero soil, which has been part of this iconic location since 2008, with a new deactivated concrete pavement.
This pedestrian renovation project is part of the efforts to enhance eleven tourist spots in Chicharrero, scheduled for completion by 2024 with a budget of approximately two million euros.
La Alameda has evolved through various changes and names over the centuries. Its inception traces back to the late 18th century when Santa Cruz, experiencing a significant population surge, lacked a suitable space where residents and visitors disembarking at the pier could stroll or socialize on the waterfront.
At that time, the Captain-General of the Canary Islands, Miguel de la Grúa Talamanca, Marquis of Branciforte, seized the opportunity of a vacant plot near the dock to propose the construction of a small public garden, inspired by those in larger cities. The idea was met with great enthusiasm, and the financial contributions by the locals to this new leisure space were commemorated on a plaque still displayed today above the central archway entrance.
Over time, the Alameda assumed several monikers: Alameda de Branciforte, in honour of its founder; Alameda del Duque de Santa Elena, in tribute to Alberto de Borbón y Castellví, Captain-General of the Canary Islands; Alameda April 14, marking the date of the Second Republic’s proclamation; or Los Paragüitas, a popular nickname due to the colourful parasols at the central kiosk.
Strolls through History
This enclosure was erected in 1787 under the supervision of engineer Andrés Amat de Tortosa, who devised a triple-arch façade adorned with a stone shield bearing the royal insignia of Charles III. The space, measuring 79 meters in length and 17 meters in width, enclosed by wooden barriers, featured five avenues formed by converging streets leading to a central square where a Carrara marble fountain, famously known as the dolphin fountain, was situated. The fountain’s pedestal remains the sole relic from that era that still stands.
The Alameda promenade was embellished with a total of 81 trees, the first to offer shade in Santa Cruz, while its flooring combined earth patches with cobblestone areas. This cozy spot, considered a prime vantage point for observing the daily port activities, swiftly evolved into a meeting hub for merchants and ship owners and, eventually, a recreational hub for Santa Cruz society, as noted by the city’s official chronicler, José Manuel Ledesma.
Musical soirees, raffles, and spots for receiving news that, during those times, arrived by sea, all contributed to transforming this leisure space into the city’s bustling epicentre. In fact, by 1860, streetlights had to be installed to illuminate the premises at night owing to the surge of visitors.
By the inauguration of the Plaza del Príncipe in 1860, the Alameda fell into disuse and obsolescence until 1916, when its arched façade was dismantled, and its ornamental elements were removed.
It was not until 2008, during the Plaza de España’s renovation, that the Santa Cruz City Council decided to revive this historic enclave by reconstructing its ancient stone façade and reinstating its original embellishments.
The surface of La Alameda was then coated with albero, and a playground along with several leisure terraces were added, reviving an urban space now poised for a fresh makeover.
Revitalisation Project
Carlos Tarife, the Councilor for Strategic Planning at the Capital City Council, informed DIARIO DE AVISOS that “the works to replace the Alameda flooring are set to commence on June 10. “The project is allocated a budget of 150,000 euros.”
The mayor elaborated, stating that “a new deactivated concrete pavement in albero colour will be laid, ensuring minimal distinction from the current earth surface that blankets this area.”
Tarife further clarified, “The primary aim of this pedestrian enhancement in La Alameda is to equip this central space with a more durable and even foundation compared to the existing one, enhancing accessibility, particularly for individuals with limited mobility.”
This paving renovation will not be limited to this capital enclave but will extend to the walkways in García Sanabria park, for which the City Council has earmarked 250,000 euros.
