Castillo de San Miguel

About the museum

The Castillo de San Miguel protected the port of Garachico, which in the 16th century was the most active trading town in Tenerife. The historian Antonio Rumeu de Armas dates the first bulwark to 1552. After the sacking of Santa Cruz de La Palma by a French corsair in 1553, the Cabildo of Tenerife asked for permission to enlarge the fortification, and in 1575 Philip II authorised a larger and better-equipped fortress. The corregidor Fabián Viña Negrón directed the enlargement and financed part of the works in exchange for a lifetime alcaidía (the office of castellan) and his inheritance; the works were considered complete around 1587.

The 1706 eruption buried part of the population and its anchorage, but the castle escaped the lava flow; however, it lost its defensive function. Over time it fell into neglect, until in January 1959 Garachico City Council arranged its purchase. In 1967 its surroundings were laid out as the so-called Plaza de Armas. It is declared a Bien de Interés Cultural, with the category of monument.

The building has a square plan, thick ashlar walls and battlements with overhanging sentry boxes at the corners. Instead of the usual courtyard of arms, it has two halls with barrel vaults, from which a narrow staircase leads up to the battle platform, where the lava formations of El Caletón can be seen. Above the door is a heraldic group with the shields of Charles I.

Today, owned by the City Council, it forms part of the town's cultural activity and houses the Centro de Información Patrimonial, integrated into the network of museums of the Cabildo de Tenerife.

Highlights

• 16th-century fortress with a square plan and overhanging sentry boxes
• Battle platform with views over El Caletón
• Heraldic shields of Charles I above the entrance door
• Centro de Información Patrimonial
• Bien de Interés Cultural

Operated by

Ayuntamiento de Garachico

Admission & discounts

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Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The battle platform is reached by a narrow staircase.

Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

The castle is next to the natural swimming pools of El Caletón, on avenida Tomé Cano.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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