Restored Historic Cannon Goes on Display at Tenerife’s San Cristóbal Castle Center

The Museum of History and Anthropology of Tenerife (MHAT) has added a historic piece of artillery to the San Cristóbal Castle Interpretation Center. This new exhibit not only enriches the capital’s heritage but also offers a clearer look at the defensive systems that shaped the island’s identity for centuries. The cannon was discovered last April during excavations near the Island Council and has since undergone a thorough restoration and analysis before being put on public display.

This piece was once part of Santa Cruz’s network of fortifications and is now housed in the museum space beneath the Plaza de España. This site is historically significant, as it preserves the remains of the original 1575 fortress wall, which stood until it was demolished in 1928. Specialist Jesús Duque Arimany highlights the importance of this find in his recent research, noting the strategic and symbolic value of such weaponry in local history.

The cannon joins the center’s existing collection, which includes the famous "Tigre" cannon, known for its role in defending the city against Horatio Nelson’s 1797 British expedition. By displaying these remains, the museum helps visitors connect the history of San Cristóbal Castle with other defensive structures, such as San Juan and Paso Alto, providing a complete picture of the port’s historical security.

The center is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with free admission. The preservation of these underground finds highlights the vital role of urban archaeology in protecting the Canary Islands' collective memory and historical heritage.