Digital Project Preserves Endangered Historical Sites in Tenerife
A multidisciplinary team in Tenerife has launched an immersive digital platform to preserve and provide universal access to the fragile historical sites of El Rosario, including the ancestral home of corsair Amaro Pargo.
Digital technology is helping to preserve the Canary Islands' historical heritage, acting as a vital safeguard against the decay of cultural landmarks. A multidisciplinary team has recently integrated three Sites of Cultural Interest (BIC) in the Machado district of El Rosario, Tenerife, into an immersive digital platform. This project provides universal access to sites that are otherwise difficult to visit, including the home of the famous corsair Amaro Pargo, which is currently in a fragile structural state.
Led by retired educators Ángel Adán and Beatriz García, along with University of La Laguna professor José Luis Saorín, the initiative goes beyond a standard virtual tour. With historical research from experts like Manuel de Paz Sánchez and Daniel García Pulido, and technical sketches by Bernardo Parrilla, the team has created a 360-degree experience. Users can explore the hermitage of Nuestra Señora de El Rosario, the historic Camino Viejo de Candelaria, and the 16th-century residence of Amaro Pargo. The digital reconstruction of the house allows viewers to compare its current state with its original historical design, a process supported by 3D-printed models and artistic recreations.
The site’s significance goes beyond its connection to Amaro Pargo, who bought the property in 1744. It served as a traditional resting point for officials traveling to Candelaria along a route dating back to pre-Hispanic times. However, the property has suffered from neglect since it was vacated in 1975 and has been damaged by looting fueled by legends of buried treasure. The project organizers are now calling on island authorities to stabilize the ruins. The site’s legal status is currently being reviewed by the Cabildo de Tenerife following a 2025 donation and subsequent ownership disputes.
By using new technologies—including AI to recreate historical figures and an original soundtrack by musician Benito Cabrera—the project aims to reconnect younger generations with a history that might otherwise be forgotten. QR codes installed around the Machado area now bridge the gap between the digital experience and physical visits, ensuring that public knowledge and accessibility remain at the heart of protecting these important heritage sites.