Three-Ton 16th-Century Cannon Unearthed in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Construction crews in Santa Cruz de Tenerife have unearthed a three-ton, 16th-century iron cannon that will be relocated to the San Cristóbal Castle Interpretation Center following restoration.
The ground beneath Santa Cruz de Tenerife has once again proven to be a treasure trove of history. During recent renovation work on a building next to the Island Council (Cabildo Insular), crews unearthed a three-meter-long iron cannon weighing roughly three tons. The discovery was made last January near the Island Palace, a site protected for its cultural significance.
The find is particularly intriguing due to its size and age. While early estimates suggest the cannon dates back to the late 16th century, experts at the Museum of History of Tenerife are waiting for a final report before confirming its exact origins. In the meantime, the cannon is being kept at the discovery site under strict conservation protocols, including humidity controls to prevent the metal from deteriorating after centuries underground.
José Carlos Acha, head of the Autonomous Organization of Museums and Centers, is overseeing the project. His team is currently cleaning marine and rocky sediment from the cannon by hand and planning the complex logistics of its move. Once ready, the cannon will be transported to the San Cristóbal Castle Interpretation Center, where it will join the city’s historical artillery collection alongside famous pieces like the "Tigre" cannon.
Moving the three-ton artifact the 500 meters to the museum is a significant technical challenge. The construction firm, ASCH, is currently developing a transport plan that involves specialized equipment and road safety measures. The costs for this operation are still being calculated.
This discovery is just the latest in a series of archaeological finds in Santa Cruz, following similar military remnants uncovered on Imeldo Serís Street in 2011 and during the Vía Litoral construction in 2016. These recurring finds highlight the city's rich military and maritime heritage, reminding officials of the need for careful oversight during urban development. While advanced restoration techniques like electrolysis were considered, they have been ruled out for now, as the process would require moving the cannon off the island.