Real Castillo de Santa Catalina de Alejandría

About the museum

After the attack by French corsairs that devastated Santa Cruz de La Palma in 1553, the town built a first castle, operational from 1560 and redesigned in 1585 by the engineer Leonardo Torriani. Battered by the sea and storms, it fell into ruin in the second half of the 17th century and was demolished.

The present fortress was built between 1683 and 1692, partly with money raised by public subscription. It was laid out by the sergeant major Juan Franco de Medina and the captain Miguel Tiburcio Rossell de Lugo, who took the San Cristóbal castle in Santa Cruz de Tenerife as their model. It has a square plan with diamond-point bastions at its four corners, and its curved-pediment doorway shows the coat of arms of the Catholic Monarchs (Reyes Católicos). It was the main castle of the town's defensive system, took its name from the nearby hermitage of Santa Catalina de Alejandría, and also served as a barracks and a prison.

In 1924 the army considered it useless for defence, and in the mid-20th century it was sold to private owners. A government decree prevented its demolition, and in 1951 it was declared a historic-artistic monument. Today it is a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest) and remains privately owned. Since 2015 it has been open to visitors thanks to an agreement between the town council and the owners. After works that improved accessibility to the entrance bridge and the interior, it reopened in December 2023; an information point operates in the turret (castillete).

Highlights

• Square plan with four diamond-point bastions
• Doorway with the coat of arms of the Catholic Monarchs
• Esplanade with cannons and sea views
• Bien de Interés Cultural since 1951
• Free admission

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• 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

In 2023 the access bridge and the interior routes were adapted to make the visit easier for people with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The castle is on the seafront, between the Avenida Marítima and Calle Castillete; the entrance is on Calle Castillete.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit