Along with the Plaza del Charco, which we discussed in another time on our blog, the Plaza Europa is one of the most representative and emblematic squares of Puerto de la Cruz. Although it is a place of recent construction, the Plaza de Europa was built in such a way that reminds of the ancient forts that defended the city from the sea coast of potential attackers approaching it.
This square was opened in the early 90s, on December 18, 1992, and has more than 5,000 square meters. For those visiting the area by car, you should know that directly below it is an underground parking with 300 parking spaces, perfect for not having to search for parking in the area. It can be a difficult task to find a place to park nearby, since much of the streets located in the city center are pedestrianized.
On the Plaza de Europa you can find 6 real canyons of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, which were assigned at the time by the Ministry of Defense and the Military Zone of the Canary Islands. These are pointing out to sea, which you can see in all its glory from the upper level of the square, since it is built on different levels, which can be accessed up some steps.
In the center of the Plaza de Europa is also a fountain in octagonal shape and some commemorative sculptures of characters like Francisco de Miranda, a portuense descendant who emigrated to Venezuela. These pay tribute to migrants who had to leave their beloved Canary Islands to seek a better future elsewhere in the world where at that time there was greater prosperity.
It should also be noted that the work of the Plaza de Europa was conducted by the original architect of La Orotava, Luis Garcia Mesa.
What can be found around the Plaza de Europa?
The City Hall of Puerto de la Cruz is located right next to the Plaza de Europa, and if you started your journey from the Plaza del Charco and get to this point, after making the obligatory photo with the cannons,you can proceed to the renovated Paseo de San Telmo, where you can enjoy the sea breeze, the shops of Puerto de la Cruz and San Telmos small beach.
Why the name “Plaza de Europa”?
The name given to the Plaza de Europa is a tribute to the pro-European tradition of the city of Puerto de la Cruz, which has welcomed with open arms for decades the visit of many tourists, especially Germans and British, but also many other nationalities and whose influence permeated the culture of the city. Examples of this can be found in the Paseo San Telmo itself, near the Plaza de Europa, where is located a chapel decorated inside by an architect from the city of Dusseldorf and since 1967 celebrates worship in German language. On the other hand, the English Library of Puerto de la Cruz, built in 1903, has served for more than a century as a meeting place for the British community.
Activities on the Plaza de Europa
Formerly it harbored a market square, which ceased to be located in the area due to administrative procedures. Currently you can only find this market on specific occasions.
You can also enjoy here certain specific events, such as those organized by the Tenerife Walking Festival or the Festival Canarias Jazz & More.
Conclusion
Although the place is not all well maintained and in some ways is underutilized and is not a particularly beautiful place, it is worth a visit. It is a place from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the coast of Puerto de la Cruz, where you can immortalize some memories of the trip to the island. You can stop along the way to breathe deeply and feel the comforting smell of the ocean with which you can fill your lungs and regain energy to continue your visit in Puerto de la Cruz.
We hope this information serves you helping to better organize your future visit. If you are planning a trip to visit this beautiful city and the island of Tenerife in general, we’d love to meet you and offer you a pleasant stay in our apartments Ambassador, where all our staff will be at your service so that you enjoy your holiday as much as possible.
