Castle of St John the Baptist, Tenerife

In the Canary Islands, Tenerife is home to the Castle of St John the Baptist, also known as the Black Castle. This is the second most significant fort in the defense of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. There is an annual reenactment of the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife at the fort. The celebration commemorates the 25 July 1797 attempt by British admiral Horatio Nelson to conquer the city and archipelago. It is sometimes referred to as Castillo Negro and is located on the other side of the auditorium.

The Castillo de San Juan Bautista is accessed by crossing a small bridge. Within walking distance to the Parque Martimo César Manrique and the Auditorio de Tenerife, it lies in the heart of the capital. The Black Castle was completed in 1644 after starting construction in 1641. Later, a tower was added to the fort with a cylindrical shape facing the sea in 1765. The fort was used as a military base until 1924. However, it became a military museum in 1948.

Cabildo de Tenerife, the island’s governing body, was given the power to appoint the Castilian, or warden of the castle, in 1684. As an honor, this appointment, along with that of the Castle of San Cristóbal, was highly coveted by the island’s nobility. However, it was also important for two other reasons: proving their noble status for entering orders and joining the military or noble militia, as well as the privileges attached to their position, hence the health department was in charge of everything.

Moreover, you have to get permits to enter and exit ships issued by the port police. Also, fishing rights were charged, conflicts between fishermen and townspeople were mediated, and salt and flour tariffs were collected. There is no access to the inside, but the location is great for walking, dipping in the sea, and visiting the auditorium. From various angles, the castle is picturesque. Enjoy the scenery as you walk along the sea wall with waves crashing against it. Beautiful flowers surround it, and it’s located in a pleasant area. Read More – Central Highlands of Spain